Two University of Tennessee at Martin faculty members have been honored for teaching excellence. Dr. Joshua Guerin, professor of computer science, and Dr. Dexter Davis, associate professor of sport management, have received Outstanding Teacher Awards from the University of Tennessee Alumni Association. Recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Award are nominated by students, faculty and alumni based on classroom performance, scholarship and service. The award has been presented since 1966 to faculty members from all UT campuses and includes a one-time stipend of $2,000.
Guerin began teaching at the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2012 and served from 2018 to 2021 as the chair of the computer science department. Guerin earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Transylvania University, located in Lexington, Kentucky. He also holds a graduate certification in cognitive science, a master’s degree, and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Kentucky. In addition to his classroom teaching, he currently serves as the faculty adviser for GamerHawks, the university’s gaming and esports club. Guerin received the UT Martin College of Engineering and Natural Sciences Ray and Wilma Smith Professorship in 2016, which recognizes teaching excellence and outstanding scholarly activity.
“As a career educator, my work with my students is one of my greatest joys—whether it is in the classroom, participating in club events, or just getting to talk and learn from each other outside of class,” Guerin said.
“As a career educator, my work with my students is one of my greatest joys—whether it is in the classroom, participating in club events, or just getting to talk and learn from each other outside of class,” Guerin said. “It is an incredible thing to see them grow, mature and achieve both at the university and attain in their careers and personal lives after graduation.”
Davis has taught at UT Martin since 2013. He received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from New York’s Houghton College, a master’s degree in physical education and athletic administration from Canisius College, and a Doctor of Education in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy.
Since coming to UT Martin, Davis has organized regional and national trips that allow students to gain firsthand experience working at sporting events such as the Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce Celebrity Golf Classic, the NFL Super Bowl and Pro Bowl, and NASCAR events at Nashville Superspeedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.
“I am truly humbled by this award and have been blessed to have great mentors along the way that have helped mold me into the educator that I am today. Saying ‘thank you’ to all those that have helped me along this path doesn’t do justice to the gratitude I feel for that group of people.”
“This is more than a job for me; it has become a calling and I just strive every day to have an impact of the lives of the students I come into contact with,” Davis said. “I am truly humbled by this award and have been blessed to have great mentors along the way that have helped mold me into the educator that I am today. Saying ‘thank you’ to all those that have helped me along this path doesn’t do justice to the gratitude I feel for that group of people.”
For more information about the awards, contact the Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615.
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