California State University, Bakersfield recently honored four educators for their contributions to the university and the community.
Academic Senate Chair Dr. Aaron Hegde announced CSUB’s faculty award recipients for the 2021-22 academic year during University Day, which brings together faculty and staff to kick off the new year.
“They are educators who consistently provide our students with the critical components necessary to achieve a high-quality education,” Dr. Hegde said. “Not only do they contribute to the overall mission of CSUB, but they also contribute greatly to their individual fields — elevating the prestige of a degree obtained from our institution and the reputation of our university in the local community and beyond.”
This year’s faculty award recipients are:
MILLIE ABLIN EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Dr. Weller began teaching Art History at CSUB in 2003 and is most known for her “contagious enthusiasm” in the classroom, whether she is incorporating the latest research or introducing a new active-learning exercise. In 2020, Dr. Weller became the Director of the Faculty Teaching & Learning Center, where she redirected that passion into assisting her colleagues with the rapid transition to distanced learning.
“I love teaching — the art of it, the craft of it, and, especially, learning more about it!” she said. “I have always considered myself lucky to do for a living something I enjoy so much, but to win an award for it? Priceless.”
The Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award is named after an educator who served as a member of the board of directors of the CSUB Foundation was a longstanding supporter and contributor to CSUB and the community.
OUTSTANDING LECTURER AWARD
O’Bannon’s dedication and passion to teaching has led to an interactive classroom where students can gain confidence and effective skills as public speakers. She also serves as the current General Education Grant Director and Learning Community Facilitator for Oral Communication, in which she assists faculty across disciplines in their pursuits to reinforce oral communication.
In addition to her work at CSUB, O’Bannon provides community outreach to local high schools and organizations in their efforts to create effective public speakers through various trainings, workshops and presentations.
“I have such a deep passion for teaching. Receiving the Outstanding Lecturer Award has truly been an honor and a privilege,” she said. “I am thankful for the recognition and proud to be part of all the hardworking faculty who do so much to make CSUB a place where students want to learn.”
The Outstanding Lecturer Award was established to honor a full-time lecturer for excellence in teaching effectiveness and service to the CSUB community.
FACULTY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD
As a research mentor and Director of the Biology Graduate Program, Dr. Jacobsen has inspired and empowered students to strive for excellence in their studies in the biological sciences. She is currently serving as Co-Director for the CSUB Title Vb program, which supports graduate program excellence in the sciences. She has also served on many committees and boards, including the Academic Senate, Faculty Affairs Committee and CSUB Foundation Board.
Dr. Jacobsen was the recipient of a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2013 and is a member of the CSUB NSF-funded Center for Research in Excellence in Science and Technology. She has published more than 70 scholarly articles and co-authored the book “The Biology of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems.”
“It is an honor to be nominated by the Department of Biology and have been selected by my university-wide colleagues for this award,” Dr. Jacobsen said. “While I am receiving recognition…this year, I think that it is critically important to recognize that I am only one of many faculty colleagues who are active in supporting CSUB. We have so many faculty who expend significant time and effort working ‘behind the scenes’ to support and shape our university. It has been a pleasure to serve with so many generous and talented faculty colleagues!”
The Faculty Leadership and Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the principle and practice of shared governance and service to the community.
PROMISING NEW FACULTY AWARD
Dr. Bergkamp teaches all levels of organic chemistry courses in hopes of developing his students into science-literate citizens. He has published seven peer-reviewed journal articles since his start at CSUB in 2016. His research interests are focused on renewable energy, materials and surface chemistry, redox flow batteries, bio-hybrid solar cells and applied photosynthesis. Dr. Bergkamp has served on many school and campus committees.
“My undergraduate science professors changed my perspective of the world around me, my career path, and my attitude of learning. I strive to do the same for my students,” he said.
The Promising New Faculty Award recognizes exemplary achievements in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activities, and/or service among all full-time, tenure-track faculty or assistant professors.
© 2026 California State University, Bakersfield
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