KU faculty honored with 2024 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 to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as innovation in research.

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. Recipients receive an $850-$1,500 prize.

• Beth Bailey, Foundation Distinguished Professor of History, director of the Center for Military, War, and Society Studies.

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. Recipients receive an $850-$1,500 prize.

• Ward Lyles, associate professor of public affairs & administration, urban planning program.

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.

• Shahnaz Parsaeian, assistant professor of economics.
• J.D. Smith, senior academic adviser.

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 $1,500 award.

• Mark Landau, professor of psychology.

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 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 and School of Public Affairs & Administration.