The 麻豆视频 Foundation has selected Chemistry Instructor Emeka Charles Udenze as the recipient of the 2026 Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing his outstanding commitment to student success, equitable teaching practices and leadership in faculty development.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Udenze grew up in a household where academic achievement was strongly encouraged. He initially pursued biochemistry at the University of Calabar with plans to attend medical school.
鈥淚've always been curious about science,鈥� he said. 鈥淧arenting is a bit different in Nigeria. Growing up my mom always said to me, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e smart, so you're going to be a medical doctor.鈥欌��
During his undergraduate studies, however, Udenze discovered a passion for tutoring and research.
鈥淚 began to fall in love with tutoring other students and doing research,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he moment I finished my undergraduate degree, I knew I couldn't go to medical school. I found my calling and I'm happy I've been a teacher since then.鈥�
He went on to teach chemistry and biochemistry at Nigeria鈥檚 Federal University of Technology before relocating to Portland, Ore., to start a family. While awaiting verification of his academic credentials, he worked at a homeless shelter, an experience that shaped his commitment to service and community engagement.
Udenze joined 麻豆视频 in winter 2017 after seeing a faculty opening.
鈥淚鈥檇 never been to Yakima or even heard of Yakima before I saw the job posting for 麻豆视频,鈥� he said.
Since joining YVC, Udenze has taught general chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry, focusing on helping students build confidence in challenging subject areas.
鈥淭he most rewarding part of teaching is watching my students鈥� knowledge level grow,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 satisfying to see them make that jump from coming in not knowing much of the concepts to understanding and mastering the concepts well, passing classes and being successful beyond their time at YVC.鈥�
Beyond the classroom, Udenze has played a key role in the college鈥檚 Transformational Design for Learning (TDL) initiative, which aims to improve equity and access through transparent teaching methods, Universal Design for Learning and accessible course practices.
鈥淲e designed it from scratch,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he idea was to design activities, assignments and homework that would be so transparent that students 鈥� no matter their background 鈥� could go through them and get what they need without struggling.鈥�
Colleagues say his work has significantly improved both instruction and professional development across the college.
鈥淓meka is an exemplar of what it means to practice what you preach,鈥� said Cecilia Macias, YVC鈥檚 accessibility coordinator. 鈥淗e is set on ensuring that his students are clear on what is being asked of them and strives to set them up for success.鈥�
Faculty counselor Vicente R. Lopez added, 鈥淓meka's leadership and expertise have been instrumental in making these professional trainings a huge success. I am continually impressed with his tireless efforts, despite his full-time teaching load.鈥�
Udenze is also active in community engagement, regularly volunteering at local STEM events 鈥� including YVC鈥檚 annual STEM Day 鈥� and serving on the advisory board for YVC Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) and also the faculty sponsor; and Opportunities Industrialization Center鈥檚 Henry Beauchamp Community Center
鈥淐atching students young is very important,鈥� he said. 鈥淐uriosity is everything, and we need to build this curiosity in the young ones. It builds critical thinking and a desire to want to solve problems.鈥�
He has mentored several student research groups in their undergraduate projects and says the work feels especially meaningful as a single parent father.
鈥淚 want to see my kids make this level of jump and development every day,鈥� he said. 鈥淰olunteering is very important to me. It's helping bring up the new generation of inventors and scientists who will help make the world a better place.鈥�
Colleagues say his influence extends beyond students to fellow faculty members as well. Astronomy instructor Zach Schierl says Udenze鈥檚 support made a significant difference when he joined the faculty.
鈥淚n those days, before YVC had a cohesive orientation and onboarding process for new faculty, Emeka made sure I knew where things were on campus and how to advise new students,鈥� said astronomy instructor Zach Schierl. 鈥淗e showed me what it takes to help our students be successful.鈥�
The Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award was established by Velekanje Law Firm in memory of Robert M. Leadon, a foundation director who died in 1986. The award honors faculty members who, like Leadon, are known for their strong commitment to excellence in teaching.
The YVC Foundation Board of Directors selects the recipient from nominations submitted by faculty, staff and administrators. The award includes a $2,000 unrestricted monetary gift and is open to any full-time faculty who has completed at least three full years of teaching at 麻豆视频.
The Robert M. Leadon Teaching Award will be presented during YVC鈥檚 Employee Awards Recognition Ceremony on May 28. For more information contact Stacey Kautz at skautz@yvcc.edu or 509.574.4645.