Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
After nearly 25 years of teaching mathematics at the University of West Alabama, Kim Giles has earned one of the institution鈥檚 highest honors for classroom instruction.
During UWA鈥檚 spring commencement exercises held May 7-8, Giles received the 2026 William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, the honor awarded annually by the student body in recognition of excellence in undergraduate classroom instruction.
After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in industrial engineering, Giles eventually returned to her hometown of Livingston, where she found her calling in the classroom.
鈥淚t鈥檚 such a huge honor to have been nominated and recognized this way,鈥� Giles said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very thankful and grateful that I get to go to work every day, and not feel like it鈥檚 a job, but something I was meant to do.鈥�
Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Giles also serves as the College of Natural Science and Mathematics coordinator and liaison for the UWA Teach program, the STEM education initiative launched by the University in 2023. This program gives STEM majors an opportunity to explore teaching as a career path to see if it鈥檚 right for them.
鈥淚鈥檓 the connection between NSM and the College of Education,鈥� Giles explained. 鈥淚 not only look out for NSM students who are in UWA Teach, but if I have a math or science student who I think would be a good fit for the program, I encourage them to pursue it. I鈥檇 rather students find out early if teaching isn鈥檛 for them rather than when they鈥檙e finishing up their degree.鈥�
Outside the classroom, Giles volunteers with the Wesley Foundation alongside director Elizabeth Stone.
鈥淚鈥檓 there every Monday and Thursday evenings when they have Bible studies, helping feed the students and fellowship with them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of my greatest joys each week.鈥�
Though Giles once considered retiring after reaching the 25-year milestone, she now says she has no plans to step away from the work she loves.
鈥淕od put me here for a reason鈥攖o teach and encourage my students every day,鈥� Giles said. 鈥淚 always tell them, 鈥榊ou got this, and you got to believe.鈥� I鈥檓 happy, and I enjoy my work, so until the day comes that I don鈥檛 enjoy it anymore, I鈥檓 going to keep showing up and doing what He called me to do.鈥�
As the recipient of the Gilbert Award, Giles will serve as macebearer and lead the faculty processional at the University鈥檚 commencement exercises in August, December, and again next May.
