Faculty honored with 2020 College Awards

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 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as community-engaged research.

Community Engaged Scholarship Award 
The Community Engaged Scholarship Award is awarded to a faculty member whose scholarship actively collaborates with a community partner through the creation and dissemination of knowledge. At the same time, such work contributes to the scholar’s discipline and strengthens the well-being of the community. The winner receives a $1,000 award.

• Gregory Rudnick, professor of physics & astronomy 

Steeples Service to Kansans Award
The Steeples Service to Kansans Award is given to faculty who provide significant service to the people of Kansas as a purposeful extension of their teaching and research. The honor carries a $1,000 prize and an additional $1,000 base adjustment to the awardee’s salary.

• Claudia Dozier, associate professor of applied behavioral science. Dozier has offered her expertise in behavioral disorders to assist community programs such as GoodLife Innovations Inc. in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the Edna A. Hill Child Development Center in Lawrence. She also assisted with the statewide training program, providing training for all new autism specialists in the state of Kansas through the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART).
• Scott Harris, senior specialist and KU Debate coach, Department of Communication Studies. Harris was noted for helping maintain a healthy and vibrant college and high school debate community in the state of Kansas during his 29 years at KU, including for hosting the Jayhawk Debate Institute. In fall 2019, Harris also hosted the Kansas Speech and Communication Association Conference at KU, which brought in high school educators from around the state to a two-day conference of seminars and presentations.
• Ken Fischer, professor of mechanical engineering. Fischer has dedicated his work to helping people with disabilities, including through the development of custom biomedical devices and systems, and he has helped Kansans in cities including Lawrence, Lenexa, McPherson, Oskaloosa, Shawnee, Wamego and Wichita. He also received a National Science Foundation grant in 2011 that established the Biomechanical Rehabilitation Engineering Advancement for Kansans (BREAK) program to fund such projects.

Gene A. Budig Teaching Professorship Award
The Gene A. Budig Teaching Professorship Award recognizes faculty in the social and behavioral sciences who demonstrate an outstanding contribution to the teaching of students and a commitment to excellence in teaching. This award includes a $4,000 prize.

• Alison Gabriele, professor of linguistics

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 receive a $1,500 prize.

• James Bever, Distinguished Foundation Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

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 $1,500 prize.

• Jarron Saint Onge, associate professor of sociology

Grant Goodman Undergraduate Mentor Award
The Grant 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.

• Bruce Hayes, professor of French literature & culture

J. Michael Young Academic Advisor Award 
The J. Michael Young Academic Advisor Award honors exceptional commitment to undergraduate advising. Students nominate professors for enhancing their experience at KU through the advising relationship. The honor comes with a $1,000 award.

• Kevin McCannon, lecturer and academic program associate, Department of Sociology
• Laura Mielke, Dean's Professor of English
• Maya Stiller, associate professor of the history of art

The funds are managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization 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 is the heart of KU, educating the most students, producing the most research and collaborating with nearly every entity at KU. The College is home to more than 50 departments, programs and centers, as well as the School of the Arts, School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures and School of Public Affairs & Administration.