KU professor of statistics receives 2022 Chancellors Club Career Teaching Award
LAWRENCE — Steve Hillmer, professor of statistics at the University of Kansas School of Business, is the recipient of the 2022 Chancellors Club Career Teaching Award.
With more than four decades of teaching at KU, Hillmer has made an unparalleled impact on his students and fellow faculty. He serves as the director of the Davis Center for Figure Sense, developed to instill stronger, better figure sense into thinking and communication.
Hillmer has redefined learning through his methods of teaching, believing in the value of content instead of the grade a student receives. He has inspired countless students and has gone out of his way to be a mentor to students in the School of Business.
“It is not just the quantity of Steve’s teaching that is impressive, but it is also the breadth and quality of his teaching,” wrote Jide Wintoki, associate dean of graduate programs and area director of analytics, information & operations management, in his nomination letter for Hillmer.
Hillmer has published and peer-reviewed 36 journals and book chapters in his career, taught more than 75 classes in the business school and served on numerous committees. His dedication to service, as evidenced by receiving the Gordon Fitch Distinguished Service Award in 2009, is one of his most notable qualities.
“He has inspired myriad students, led academic and philanthropic initiatives, and made significant contributions to all facets of our mission,” said Paige Fields, dean of the business school.
His former students have testified to the strong leadership and patience Hillmer embodies. They emphasized the value he places on learning and the growth they have made after taking his classes.
“I think the most meaningful recognition is not necessarily an award like this,” Hillmer said. “It's feedback from your students that you've done a good job or they've related to what you're talking about.”
Through his position as director of the Davis Center, Hillmer has continued his love for learning and helping students grow their critical and data analytical skills. He spends his time focusing on his students and developing the center to assist all students in their journeys.
“I think that helped my teaching — to understand more of the ins and outs and some of the pitfalls that go on in the real world,” Hillmer said. “That was a real blessing for me to be able to learn and expand what I was learning and not be constrained by what I've been doing. I can start to do something different.”
As the Chancellors Club Teaching Award honoree, Hillmer will receive $10,000 annually for the next five years, funded in part by donors to the Chancellors Club. Learn more about the Chancellors Club.
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