Dr. Pamela Karimi a professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth was awarded the 2018 Manning Prize for excellence in teaching from UMass President Marty Meehan, according to college officials.

Karimi is a art education and art history and media studies professor at the college. She is one of five people to be recognized and will get $10,000 as part of the award. Her classes works with New Bedford activist, politicians and artist to repurpose vacant lots throughout the city.

The prize was created by Rob and Donna Manning in 2016 to acknowledge hard-working teachers and their service.