2026 University Teaching and Public Service Award Winners Announced

Celebrating Educational Excellence: University Teaching and Public Service Awards 2026

Recognizing dedication and excellence in education, the prestigious University Teaching Awards for 2026 highlight the remarkable contributions of educators across various fields. These awards celebrate faculty members who have made significant impacts on their students and the academic community.

Mulholland Society Resident Teaching Award

Dr. Alyssa Martin, School of Medicine

Excellence in Education Abroad Award

Stefano Grazioli, McIntire School of Commerce

All-University Teaching Awards

Vaia Abatzis, School of Medicine

Ann Backof, McIntire School of Commerce

Mark Beenhakker, School of Medicine

Martin Block, School of Education and Human Development

Amy Boitnott, School of Nursing

Michaela DuBay, School of Education and Human Development

Mark Floryan, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Amanda Frost, School of Law

Todd Sechser, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Alumni Board of Trustees Teaching Award

Adrienne Ghaly, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award

Ran Zhao, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching Awards 2026

In addition to recognizing faculty, the university also honors graduate students who excel in teaching through the Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching Awards.

Arts and Humanities

Lauren Parker, Department of English

STEM Disciplines

Heather Christensen, Department of Environmental Sciences

Social Science and Education

Grant Seiter, Department of Economics

Frank Finger Graduate Fellowship for Teaching

Sareena Chadha, Department of Psychology

Class of 1985 Fellowship for Creative Teaching

Navya Annapareddy, School of Data Science

Acknowledging Public Service: 2026 Public Service Awards

The university also applauds the efforts of faculty members engaged in community service, highlighting their collaborative and individual contributions.

Collaborative Excellence in Public Service

Amy Boitnott, Randy Jones, and Malinda Whitlow, School of Nursing

Excellence in Public Service Awards

Honorees include Sarah Richardson from the Writing and Rhetoric program in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Pete Alonzi from the School of Data Science, and Kyle Sturgeon from the School of Architecture.