Recognizing excellence in academia, the University of Virginia has awarded its prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award to two distinguished members of its community. This year, the accolades were presented to a leading chemistry professor and a former director of International Studies, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the university.
Jill Venton, who holds the title of Thomas Jefferson Professor of Chemistry in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and Dudley Doane, the retired senior adviser of global affairs at UVA, were honored on June 5 at a luncheon held by the Board of Visitors in the historic Dome Room of the Rotunda.
The awards were divided into two categories: Public Service, which was awarded to Doane, and Scholarship, which went to Venton.
Doane expressed gratitude, saying, “This is all because of the work of other people,” acknowledging the team of managers, staff, and faculty who contributed significantly to developing the university’s education-abroad initiatives.
Venton reflected on her achievements by stating, “My greatest accomplishment is the people whom I’ve trained, who are able to do this amazing research.” She emphasized the privilege of mentoring students and researchers in the fields of chemistry and neurochemistry.
Since joining UVA in 2005, Venton has been a pioneering force in analytical neurochemistry. Her innovative work has revolutionized the study of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which play crucial roles in mood and behavior regulation. Venton’s development of tools for real-time measurement of these chemicals has significantly advanced scientific understanding.
Professor Linda Columbus, chair of the Chemistry Department, highlighted Venton’s dual commitment to innovation and service in her nomination letter, saying, “Jill Venton is an internationally recognized scientist whose work has fundamentally redefined the timescale of brain communication, yet she remains a grounded citizen of Charlottesville who finds peace in the outdoors along the Mechums River.”
Doane joined UVA in 1999 to lead the Summer Language Institute, where he expanded the university’s education-abroad programs and developed scholarships to aid student participation. He was instrumental in creating the Global Affairs January term study opportunities and in supporting both international students at UVA and UVA students abroad.
Amid the travel challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, Doane played a critical role in safely bringing back 400 UVA students from abroad and ensuring they could complete their academic commitments.
Stephen D. Mull, UVA Vice Provost for Global Affairs, lauded Doane’s impactful leadership and empathy in his nomination letter, writing, “I am not aware of another colleague who has matched his remarkable impact as a visionary leader, gifted administrator, accomplished educator, and a wise and empathetic adviser to countless students.”
Mull also praised Doane’s selfless leadership, quoting Harry S. Truman: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” He noted that Doane consistently elevates those around him, giving credit where it is due.
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