Mililani Professor Named UH Regents’ Medal Winner

Norman Takeya is an A-plus educator with red pepper hotness, at least according to ratemyprofessors.com. Now, he also is a major award winner.

The Mililani resident has been presented with The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents.

Norman Takeya (center) at the May 12 CMAA Hawaii Mini Conference with construction management students (from left) Kehaulani Remiticado, Nicole Granciosa, Jennifer Wong, Lana Moe and Jacky Plan. PHOTO FROM LANA MOE.

An assistant professor for the Construction Management program at Honolulu Community College, Takeya was honored for his subject mastery, effectiveness, creativity and personal values.

The quiet educator was pleased with the award, but he was most happy about how his students rated his testing procedures on the website.

“I was happy with 3.0 for hardness,” he said, “because that means I am giving them the appropriate tests that are not too easy.”

The award commended Takeya for his support of his students beyond the classroom, having spent many hours helping students find employment in the industry and participating in industry organizations. Takeya is adviser for the college’s National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) student chapter.

With his help, the team received first-place honors at the NAHB awards ceremony Jan. 13 in Las Vegas.

“Much appreciation goes out to Mr. Takeya for pushing us to succeed in our career choice of becoming construction managers, and to our local NAHB chapter BIA Hawaii for being a great support to all of our endeavors,” said Lana Moe, HCC construction management student and chapter president.

Moe was one of three students who nominated Takeya for the award, calling him an “exemplary instructor” who “provided a positive and supportive learning community.”

Potential medal winners are nominated by students or faculty members, and then go through a vigorous selection process that can take three months. As the latest winner, it now will be up to Takeya to help identify future winners.

“I look forward to helping, just not yet. I’m way too busy.” For his victory, Takeya received a medal and $1,000 — but, sadly, no tenure.

“Oh, that would be really nice,” he said with a laugh. And as far as his hotness, he dismisses the notion but appreciates his students’ lighthearted voting.

“Five-foot-7, and 250 pounds? Come on. I’m more of a grumpy old man.”