by Jodi Hunley
Daily Lobo
A UNM School of Architecture and Planning assistant professor has been awarded the 2003 Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture award and the American Institute of Architecture Student's New Faculty Teaching Award.
Geoffrey Adams has been teaching at UNM for five years, two and a half of which have been on a tenure track.
Adams calls himself a "faculty brat." His father is a professor at the University of California-Davis and says he has always been interested in teaching.
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"It's definitely a passion," Adams said. "I try really hard not to take anything for granted. I look at each student uniquely. Each one has a unique way of learning."
He added that his secret to success is trying to find the particular key that unlocks a student's way of learning.
Adams teaches three courses at UNM, including the beginning design studio for the master of architecture program, an introductory course on construction materials and methods and a computer graphics seminar.
Architecture and Planning dean, Roger Schluntz, said the awards are a tremendous honor for Adams as well as the entire UNM community.
"It helps students realize what they are getting for their money," Schluntz said.
He said the awards will also promote awareness of UNM's School of Architecture and Planning at other schools.
Associate Dean Gabriella Gutierrez, who won the award in 1996, submitted Adams' name for award consideration. She said she has seen him grow as a teacher.
"His genuine interest in teaching comes through in his classes," Gutierrez said.
The New Faculty Teaching Award is given by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the American Institute of Architecture Students to faculty members who have made their mark at a university in five years or less. Adams was one of three recipients among the 21 accredited architecture and planning programs that nominated faculty members this year.
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture is a nonprofit organization that provides a forum for ideas on the leading edge of architectural thought.
Gutierrez added that the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture promotes architectural education through avenues such as conferences and publications.
The American Institute of Architecture Students also helps promote and support students in that area.
Adams will be traveling to Louisville, Ky., on March 14, for the American Institute of Architecture Students' 2003 annual meeting. The institute's president will formally present the award to him at a luncheon on Saturday, March 15.
Adams earned a bachelor's degree in studio art from the University of California-Davis. He has a master's degree in architecture, which he received from UNM. Five years ago, he decided to start teaching.
In addition to teaching, Adams is still an independent architect.
