Lilite Receives Promising Teacher Award

June 10, 2010

Dr. Louima Lilite, Oklahoma Baptist University assistant professor of music, received OBU's Promising Teacher Award during the university's Centennial Spring Commencement May 15.

Lilite, who joined the OBU faculty in fall 2008, received the award from OBU President David W. Whitlock during the graduation ceremonies before an overflow audience of more than 1,800 in the university's Raley Chapel.



Dr. Louima Lilite (right) receives OBU's Promising Teacher Award from President David W. Whitlock during the university's Centennial Spring Commencement May 15.

The Promising Teacher Award is presented annually to a junior faculty member who has taught at the university for less than six years and has "demonstrated outstanding potential as a teacher and who has the characteristics of one who may be a future recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award."

In presenting the award, Dr. Whitlock said in addition to Lilite's impressive academic pedigree, he brings an equally impressive care for students.

"He is creative in his pedagogy, crafting an approach that will help bring out the best in each student," Whitlock said. "His spirituality is obvious in all interactions. He is an incredible performer and brings a wide variety of experiences to his voice studio, classroom, stage, church and recital hall."

Lilite earned a bachelor's degree in music performance in voice and piano from Biola University Conservatory of Music; a master's degree in voice performance and pedagogy from Pennsylvania State University; and his doctorate at the Eastman School of Music.

He has been praised for his "warm tone and sensitive interpretation," and "his clear voice [which] soars and carries." A seasoned performer, he is known as a recitalist, soloist, pianist and accompanist, performing in masterclasses conducted by Dawn Upshaw, Leonid Smetannikov, Menahem Pressler, B