Assistant Professor Brian Davis is one of the 2005 recipients of Michigan Tech's Distinguished Teaching Award.

For students in Davis's classes, sitting back and zoning out is not an option.

"You can't be passive in my class," Davis said. "I ask pointed questions to all the students."

Davis's philosophy is working, according to his students.

"Teaching is his strength," one of his students said. "He works hard to promote learning and dedicates his time to it."

And Davis's pursuit of learning began here at Michigan Tech, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1991. Since returning to the university as an assistant professor in 2001, he has garnered an NSF Career Award and was named Professor of the Year in electrical and computer engineering by the student branch of Eta Kappa Nu.

"He is the best instructor on campus," said one of his students. Another says "He teaches by listening to us."

"I certainly have learned from my students," said Davis. "We have an on-going discussion, and I value their opinions."

"He's an outstanding teacher," said Timothy Schulz, electrical and computer engineering department chair. "He's popular because he is very knowledgeable and he cares for the students. Students both like and respect him."

And in the ever-changing world of computers and electronics, Davis's classes stay up to date.

"He keeps class interesting by relating what we are learning to current technologies," one of his students said.

"Almost every semester I teach a course, about 20 percent of the content changes from the last time," said Davis. "My classes focus on understanding the design decisions behind the computers we are working with today."

While Davis greatly appreciates the award and recognition, his goal in teaching remains the same.

"My objective is to provide students with the skills that they're going to need. When I know that I've done that, that's the best reward that I can get."

Also receiving the award was Professor Charles Nelson (Humanities). Nelson receives the award in the professor/associate professor category, while Davis will be honored in the assistant professor/lecturer category.

Nelson and Davis will each be given $2,500 as recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award.