Kelly T. Loosli
On Aug. 22, animation Professor Kelly T. Loosli received the Karl G. Maeser Professional Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in fulfilling professional faculty responsibilities. Loosli was one of five individuals at the conference to receive the award. Kelly T. Loosli has worked in animation and live-action media production for 23 years, 15 of which he has managed and taught in BYU’s nationally recognized animation program, of which he is the co-creator. Loosli began his animation career at age 15 as a clay animator for television commercials. In 1996, he graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in film. Throughout his career, Loosli has also played a significant role in many widely acclaimed productions such as DreamWorks’ “Shrek,” Disney’s “Spirit” and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ “Meet the Mormons.” He also has experience with Buena Vista Motion Pictures, and has worked with the popular rock band “The Killers.' Loosli is currently working with students to complete several large computer-animated group projects, two live-action and animated mixed films and one traditionally animated film. Even with 17 Student Emmys and five Student Academy Awards, Kelly is known to care more about the student learning than the quality of the creative work being produced. An award-winning work being produced is just further evidence to the quality of the teaching and mentoring that Kelly and his colleagues provide, and has been integral in building one of the most effective learning centers on the BYU campus. Much of its success is attributed to the dedication that Kelly has to student learning, quality mentoring, honest feedback and hard work. Kelly is a model citizen and a wonderful professional faculty member.
Daniel T. Barney
On Aug. 22, art professor Daniel T. Barney received the Joseph E. White Teaching & Learning Faculty Fellowship. This fellowship recognizes the sacrifice and efforts by the university’s support services in providing a transfer of positions and budget to enhance teaching and learning. Daniel Barney graduated from Brigham Young University in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in printmaking and a certification in Art Education K-12, and in 2004 with a master's degree in art education. Barney is currently faculty in the Art Department at BYU. Although his degree was in printmaking and drawing, Barney has shown jewelry, glass work, photography, paintings, videos, drawing, and sewn work in galleries and museums across the US and Canada, including Ayden Gallery in Vancouver, BC, Coda Gallery in Park City and Exit9 Gift Emporium in New York City. His artwork has also been exhibited on campuses that include the University of Utah, The University of Illinois, Maryland Institute College of Art and The University of British Columbia. As an arts education research professor, Dan Barney’s research and writing contributes to the education of students not only at BYU but across the United States. He is a dynamic, committed, and inventive teacher and excels in his ability to make students feel comfortable and engages while challenging them in meaningful ways and helping them to stretch intellectually and creatively. He is continually seeking ways to improve student learning and to involve students in active learning. He is known to be demanding and to have high expectations, but students respect him for his knowledge, intelligence, and experience. He is a fine and loyal colleague, an effective and engaging teacher, and an accomplished scholar.