Two faculty members will be honored with Oregon Tech Foundation Excellence in Teaching Awards Sept. 22 at the university’s annual convocation. Professor Todd Breedlove and Associate Professor Richard (Rich) Carson will receive the awards during the opening session of the faculty and staff event.
Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented annually by the Oregon Tech Foundation and the Commission on College Teaching based on student nominations. This student-selected award honors one faculty member from the College of Health, Arts, and Sciences and one faculty member from the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management who have made a difference in the lives of students via student engagement and positive interactions, intellectual excitement, availability, teaching practices, and timely and effective student feedback.
Professor Breedlove's connection to Oregon Tech started nearly 35 years ago. He first came to campus as a student in 1992 after his brother, an Oregon Tech alumnus, encouraged him to apply. After graduating in 1996, Breedlove became Oregon Tech's first webmaster while also teaching in the Computer Systems Engineering Technology (CSET) program. Before Oregon Tech, he worked as a commercial fisherman and shipyard worker, experiences that he says brought "a unique perspective" to his classes.
Throughout his career, Breedlove has been known for holding students to high standards while providing unwavering support.
“I’ve been known for decades as a tough teacher. However, my students know that I want them to be successful and they can come to me for help anytime, not only academically but also personally,” Breedlove said. “Our students often call it the CSET family, and I am blessed to be a part of that family.”
In addition to teaching, Breedlove has served as CSET Department Chair, Program Director, Advising Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator. Over the years, he has also received awards for Student Affairs Most Valuable Partner, Faculty Alumni Engagement, and Alumni Spirit. With this award, he shared, “From the nomination and support letters, it seems like I have had a positive impact on students' lives. This is something I have always strived for."
Oregon Tech will also honor Breedlove’s retirement at the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
Associate Professor Carson has spent his career giving back to the program that launched his own success. A 1997 Medical Imaging Technology graduate, Carson returned to Oregon Tech in 2006 to teach in the Medical Imaging program after working in radiography and computed tomography. He says this experience continues to influence his teaching every day. "Returning to teach in my alma mater's imaging programs is among the most rewarding and honorable accomplishments in my career," Carson said.
Carson says his teaching philosophy is grounded in respect, empathy, and leadership, with a focus on preparing students to become compassionate and highly skilled professionals.
“Our students in the medical imaging programs work hard to meet the selection requirements, thus have an established and noteworthy work ethic,” Carson said. “The goal is twofold: to guide learners through the volumes of information and concepts while providing leadership that shapes our students into allied health professionals. In my courses, knowledge, skill, and confidence drive the objectives, and supporting this mission with empathy and respect is one way to define the effectiveness of my methods.”
In addition to teaching, Carson has served as Medical Imaging Department Chair, Advising Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator, and Selection Coordinator. He has also led the development of cadaver imaging courses that provide hands-on learning, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Carson said the Excellence in Teaching Award is an honor to be selected by the students and recognized among many exceptional faculty and staff.
“Receiving this award reinforces the passion and energy that I, along with so many of my colleagues, have toward helping our students achieve the graduate success that defines Oregon Tech,” Carson said.
Both Breedlove and Carson spoke of the “lightbulb” moments that are the most enjoyable part of teaching.
“Any teacher knows what I mean,” Breedlove said. “It’s when a student is confused and frustrated, and all of a sudden their eyes widen, they sit up straighter, and there is a look of astonishment on their face. That is the light bulb.”
“’Lightbulb’ moments stand out as examples when learning is observed,” Carson said. “It’s so rewarding to share knowledge and guide our learners through the process, transitioning from theory to practice.”
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