College awards recognize excellence in research, teaching, mentoring
LAWRENCE – Faculty contributions in research, teaching and mentoring were recognized this spring with a series of awards from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Kansas. The prizes acknowledge outstanding professors for commitment to advising and teaching to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as innovation in research.
Gene A. Budig Teaching Professorship in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Budig Teaching Professorship Award recognizes faculty in the social and behavioral sciences who demonstrate a profound and excellent commitment to teaching. Winners receive a $3,000 prize and carry the title of “Gene A. Budig Teaching Professor” for the academic year.
- Brian Donovan, associate professor of sociology
Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award
The Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award honors a unit in the College that is doing exemplary work to improve undergraduate student advising with an award of $1,000.
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science
Byron A. Alexander Graduate Mentor Award
The Byron A. Alexander Graduate Mentor Award has been given to faculty in the College since 1993. Winners have helped graduate students make the most of their experience and opportunities at KU, and each receive a $500 prize.
- Don Haider-Markel, professor of political science
- Paul Fite, associate professor of clinical child psychology and applied behavioral science
John C. Wright Graduate Mentor Award
The John C. Wright Graduate Mentor Award has been given to faculty in the College since 2002. Winners have helped graduate students make the most of their experience and opportunities at KU and receive a $750 prize.
- Omri Gillath, associate professor of psychology
J. Michael Young Academic Advisor Award
The J. Michael Young Academic Advisor Award honors exceptional commitment to undergraduate advising. Students nominate the professors for enhancing their experience at KU through the advising relationship. The honor comes with a $1,000 award.
- Chris Elles, associate professor of chemistry
- Jen Weghorst, assistant director of undergraduate biology
- Cathy Joritz, assistant professor of film & media studies
Grant K. Goodman Undergraduate Mentor Award
The Grant K. Goodman Undergraduate Mentor Award recognizes faculty who are selfless with their time and experience and continue to have lasting mentoring relationships with students long after they leave the classroom. Winners receive a $1,000 award.
- Mikhail Barybin, professor of chemistry
Tony Arnold Faculty Research Stipend
The Tony Arnold Faculty Research Stipend is awarded to a faculty member who submits an outstanding General Research Fund proposal. Winners receive $1,200 to fund their research projects.
- Jessica Gerschultz, assistant professor of African & African American studies
- Emily Rauscher, assistant professor of sociology
Funds for the awards are managed by KU Endowment, the independent nonprofit foundation serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences encourages learning without boundaries in its more than 50 departments, programs and centers. Through innovative research and teaching, the College emphasizes interdisciplinary education, global awareness and experiential learning. The College is KU's broadest, most diverse academic unit.