Eric Rimes receives UNC Board of Governors Award for Teaching Excellence

Eric Rimes, a professor of lighting technology, is a recipient of the 2019 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Teaching Excellence. He is one of 17 faculty members – one from each of the UNC campuses – chosen to receive a $12,500 stipend, a commemorative bronze medallion, and recognition at commencement exercises.

Acknowledged as an expert in his field, Rimes joined UNCSA’s School of Design and Production in 2003, and was among the first promoted to the rank of full professor when the ranking system was adopted by UNCSA.

“Eric’s a master teacher with a breadth and depth of industry expertise that greatly enhances the learning outcomes of his students,” said Chancellor Lindsay Bierman. “I’m deeply grateful for his longtime impact on our institution, and offer my heartfelt congratulations.”

The Excellence in Teaching Awards were established by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors in 1994 to encourage, identify, recognize, reward and support good teaching at each of its 17 constituent institutions.  Annually, each UNC campus honors several members of its faculty with campus-based Excellence in Teaching Awards and then forwards one name to the Board of Governors for the system-wide awards. The Board of Governors award recipients were announced yesterday.

Rimes was nominated for the award by current and former students, including one who noted Rimes’ impressive professional career, which he maintains while teaching. “This allows him to provide his students with extremely relevant situations and training opportunities, in addition to connections and networking, that would not be otherwise possible,” the nominator wrote.

Eric’s a master teacher with a breadth and depth of industry expertise that greatly enhances the learning outcomes of his students. I’m deeply grateful for his longtime impact on our institution, and offer my heartfelt congratulations.

Chancellor Lindsay Bierman

Currently, Rimes works as the advance electrician for the National Tours of “Wicked” and “Phantom of the Opera.” His professional experience includes work in lighting technology for the National Tours of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Martin Guerre” and “Aida.” He has also been production electrician for National Tours of “The King and I,” “The Sound of Music” and “Dirty Dancing,” and for regional companies such as Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Theatre, Piedmont Opera and Greensboro Opera. Other touring productions include “Ragtime, “Spirit” and “Jekyll & Hyde.”

Michael Kelley, an alumnus and Dean of the School of Design and Production, said Rimes’ mentorship produces entertainment electricians who are ready to work at a high level. “They are very employable. They know the technology, and they know how to solve problems, how to plan for problems, how to organize and communicate,” Kelley said. “He makes good humans that are amazing artists. They leave our program ready to lead.”

Rimes earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatrical design from Florida State University, with additional master’s level study in technical design and production from the Yale University School of Drama. He is a Subject Matter Expert for the Entertainment Technician Certification Program, which has established standardized certification for the entertainment electrician profession. He is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, and the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology.

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