The University of Arizona 5-Star Teaching Award

"Profe. Doran's energy, passion, and dedication to her students is apparent both in the classroom and across the community. Her love for learning and her curiosity for the world is unmatched. Our students are incredibly fortunate to have her expertise, and this award is very well deserved!"

ANDREW PONGRATZ
5-Star Teaching Award Committee Member

Dr. Kristin Doran is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Arizona. She is a Faculty Affiliate in Latin American Studies, a member of the W.A. Franke Honors College Faculty Advisory Board, and serves as the departmental liaison for the college. She received her PhD in Spanish and Luso-Brazilian Literature from the University of Arizona. In Spring 2021, Dr. Doran was the recipient of the College of Humanities Distinguished Undergraduate Advising and Mentoring Award.

For six years Dr. Doran served as Director of the Spanish Basic Language Program, overseeing one of the nation’s largest programs with over 6,000 students enrolled annually. She led innovative changes that advanced student success, supported program employees, and streamlined business processes in a complex administrative ecosystem. Dr. Doran modernized the program through the introduction of Universal Design for Learning principles in the curriculum. Additionally, she developed a mentoring program for students and staff. 

Dr. Doran’s passion for student success and experiential learning is a driving force in her teaching and service philosophy. For the last 25 years, she has dedicated herself to the academic, personal, and professional well-being of her students. In the classroom, she promotes a collaborative environment that creates a sense of community. Her areas of interest and research focus on using a combination of learning methods, including project-based, reflective, and inquiry-based approaches.