History professor Mark Robbins Ph.D. has been named 23^rd recipient of the Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence, the college’s highest honor bestowed upon faculty for outstanding instruction and academic dedication.

Robbins’ feels humbled to have been chosen for this award.

“It’s quite an honor to even be thought of, to be eligible for this award,” said Robbins.

“It’s always a pleasant surprise, considering really how many colleagues I have that are deserving of this to have been chosen.”

The award, presented annually, recognizes educators who demonstrate a commitment to student success, innovation in the classroom, and a profound impact on both campus and community. Named after longtime English professor and academic leader Dr. Aileen Creighton, the distinction is reserved for faculty who reflect her legacy of excellence in teaching and service.

Robbins, who joined DMC Social Science Department in 2013, has built a reputation for transforming traditional history instruction into hands-on, community-centered learning experiences. Through oral history projects, heritage preservation efforts, and civic engagement opportunities, he has inspired students to see themselves not just as learners but as historians in their own right.

“We want constructive criticism, yet we also want to learn about what we’re doing well. That can help to further motivate, to keep doing those things well or find ways to even improve on the things that we do well at the same time work on our weaknesses,” Robbins said of how professors feel getting feedback on their teaching.

Past recipients of the Creighton Award have included faculty from across disciplines, but few have demonstrated the kind of local impact that Dr. Robbins has cultivated through his work on projects like the South Texas Hispanic Farm Labor Communities Heritage Project and the Rancho Colorado Cemetery documentation initiative. His leadership has not only enriched students learning but preserved cultural memory across the region.

Professor of History Bryan Stone Ph.D., who also received the Creighton Award in 2019 and nominated Robbins, believes that the faculty who are chosen for this award go above and beyond to demonstrate a high-quality, hands-on teaching style that leaves a lasting impression, making DMC a memorable college to attend.

“The award itself is a sign the faculty has noticed the work that one of our colleagues is doing, but publicizing the award should help bring our best faculty to the attention of students and the community as well. It’s great that the recipient receives this extra recognition, but it’s also good for DMC to show the public the kind of educational quality we offer through our extraordinary faculty,” said Stone.

Dr. Robbins currently holds a 95% approval rating on Rate My Professor, a popular online platform where college and university students can anonymously review and rate their professors and courses taken. This high rating reflects Dr. Robbins’ reputation as an engaging, approachable, and effective educator for the DMC community.

For Robbins, the Creighton Award reflects collaboration. Del Mar has given out the award since 2003 and it remains a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to academic quality. Recipients are selected by a committee of peers based on nominations, evaluations, and evidence of sustained instructional excellence.

As the 2025 honoree, Robbins joins an elite circle of educators whose work continues to shape generations of South Texas learners.

“I think any recognition I got is a credit to everyone who’s served as a mentor and a peer and my students over the years,” Robbins said. “They’ve made my job invigorating, meaningful and fun. I also thank my administration for their support over the years. I kind of think I received this award because of the kindness and mentorship over the course of 16 years of teaching at this institution.”