Each spring, Penn State celebrates exceptional faculty and staff with awards recognizing their hard work and dedication. This year’s awards ceremony is set for April 17, and it promises to honor those who have made significant impacts in their roles.
These awards highlight the importance of teaching and support within the academic community. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of University Professors, faculty who receive recognition often report higher job satisfaction and are more likely to engage with students. This indicates that acknowledging efforts not only boosts morale but can enhance student experiences.
Here’s a look at some of the 2025 award winners:
Undergraduate Faculty Teaching Awards:
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Milton S. Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching:
- Jacqueline O’Connor, Mechanical Engineering
- Ihab Ragai, Engineering (Penn State Behrend)
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George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching:
- Griselda Conejo-Lopez, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Lori Gravish Hurtack, Kinesiology
- John Craig Hammond, History (Penn State New Kensington)
- Kevin Maxwell, Mathematics (Penn State Fayette)
- Megan Schall, Biology (Penn State Hazleton)
- Maria Yoder, Nursing
- Penn State Teaching Fellows Award:
- Beth Montemurro, Sociology
- Carlos Rosas, Art and Digital Media Design
- Noel Sloboda, English and Creative Writing
Excellence in Advising went to Robert Morehead, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Gretchen Samchuck, Academic Affairs Advising Coordinator at Penn State Beaver.
With educational engagement being crucial for student development, these awards serve as motivating reminders of what dedicated teaching can achieve.
The Graduate Faculty Teaching Awards recognize professors for their mentorship and teaching effectiveness in higher education. Allison Beese (Materials Science and Engineering) and David Almeida (Human Development and Family Studies) are among the distinguished recipients.
In addition, the Staff Excellence Awards acknowledge valuable contributions from staff members. For example, Rebecca Cross, who works in Student Services for the School of Global Languages, has shown extraordinary commitment.
As education evolves, recognizing excellence becomes even more vital. Institutions like Penn State set the bar for valuing pedagogical excellence and creating environments where both faculty and students thrive. You can find more about these awards on the Penn State Awards Recognition page.
The impact of these awards reaches far beyond the ceremony, shaping a culture of appreciation and encouraging continuous improvement in educational practices.
Check out this related article: “Join the Excitement: UWF’s Annual Day of Giving Returns on April 17 – How You Can Make a Difference!”
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