Hal Tharp: An Inspirational Educator

Whether undergrad or graduates, there’s a good chance University of Arizona electrical and computer engineering students experience learning from ECE associate department head Hal Tharp. Tharp has worked in many real-world engineering systems, but especially enjoys teaching at a variety of levels. With a combination of humor, the latest technology, and interaction outside the traditional classroom, Tharp “dares” to make engineering education a fun environment.

For this dedication, Tharp won the 2016 University of Arizona Foundation Leicester and Kathryn Sherrill Creative Teaching Award.

"I try to understand and appreciate the different experiences and pre-existing knowledge the students bring to the class," Tharp said. "It can be a challenge to strike the right balance of how to engage everyone in the class. Shifting my perspective or explaining the subject in various ways is sometimes necessary."

Electrical engineering alum Susan Gray, president and CEO of Tucson Electric Power, describes Tharp as her favorite undergrad professor. For National Engineering Week, Gray applauded Tharp’s patience and encouragement for students. 

“He was always there to build our confidence, nudge us toward solutions, and inspire us to help solve the great technological challenges of our time,” Gray said. “I’m an engineer at heart, if no longer in practice, and it’s through the work of people like Dr. Tharp that we have an accomplished team of engineers bringing creativity, precision and innovation to the essential service we deliver.”