Dr. Steve Mock receives 2026 Faculty of Health Teaching Award

Dr. Steve Mock, associate professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies, has been named the 2026 Faculty of Health Teaching Award recipient. The award is granted annually to an outstanding instructor in the Faculty of Health.

The award committee describes Mock as an exceptional educator whose humility, inclusivity and thoughtful teaching practices help students succeed.

Mock teaches both in recreation and leisure and for the Faculty's collaborative Aging, Health and Well-being program. His work and teaching explore psychological approaches to leisure research, adult development and aging and well-being. Mock also teaches quantitative analysis—often to qualitative researchers.

He understands that students come from many different backgrounds of study when they enter his class, and makes each student feel seen for the type of work they are interested in. While teaching complex statistical methods, he breaks complex concepts into manageable steps and connects other learning activities to real research applications.

“He made someone who never thought they would be doing statistical analysis feel valued and appreciated for how they think while clearly explaining what expectations are,” notes one nominator. “He is a joy to have as a teacher, guiding how we must build on each previous skill to learn, create and understand in a way I never thought I would."

See Faculty of Health Teaching Award for a list of past recipients and how to nominate a deserving instructor in the Faculty.