Faculty Excellence Awards
The university sponsors Faculty Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding accomplishments of the faculty in
five areas of faculty work: teaching, advising, mentoring, research, and service. The recipients have been nominated
and selected by their peers, signifying their high regard among those who know them well.
Below are the Division of Humanities recipients.
Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching
To recognize a teacher who embodies the qualities of excellent teaching, as measured by such skills as the ability to communicate knowledge effectively, to inspire in students a love of learning, and the willingness to go “above and beyond” in working with students in and outside of class.
Nancy Simpson Younger
(2020/21)
Assistant Professor of English
Agnes Choi
(2018/19)
Associate Professor of New Testament
Adela Ramos
(2015/16)
Associate Professor of English
Lisa Marcus
(2008/09)
Associate Professor English
Tom Campbell
(2002/03)
Professor of English
Faculty Excellence Award in Advising
To recognize a faculty advisor who embodies the qualities of effective and caring concern for student academic progress, as measured by skill at helping students plan their academic schedule, navigate the challenges of college life, and make well-chosen life and career decisions.
Tyler Travillian
(2018/19)
Associate Professor
Classics & Multidisciplinary Studies
Paloma Martínez-Carbajo
(2007/08)
Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies
Keith Cooper
(2004/05)
Associate Professor of Philosophy
K.T. Tang Awards for Excellence in Research
The awards recognize faculty scholars who have made significant contributions to their disciplines through dissemination of rigorous, substantial, and on-going research activities employing methodologies appropriate to their disciplines; recent accomplishments are especially relevant.
Jen Jenkins
(2017/18)
Associate Professor of German
Kevin O'Brien
(2014/15)
Professor of Christian Ethics & Environmental Ethics
Suzanne Crawford O'Brien
(2013/14)
Professor of Religion & Culture
Rick Barot
(2009/10)
Assistant Professor of English
Rebecca Wilkin
(2009/10)
Associate Professor of French
Doug Oakman
(2006/07)
Associate Professor of New Testament
Samuel Torvend
(2005/06)
Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity
Patricia O'Connell Killen
(2003/04)
Associate Professor of Religion
Erin McKenna
(2002/01)
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Faculty Excellence Award in Service
To recognize a faculty member who embodies the university mission of “service, leadership, and care,” by demonstrating academic leadership and influence in the life of the university through service in the areas of faculty governance, the university generally, our academic community, and community and profession beyond the university.
Keith Cooper
(2016/17)
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Callista Brown
(2012/13)
Professor of English
Erin McKenna
(2010/11)
Professor of Philosophy
Roberta Brown
(2006/07)
Professor of French
Paul Menzel
(2004/05)
Professor of Philosophy
Faculty Excellence Award in Mentoring in Honor of Art Gee
This award recognizes the efforts of a faculty member acting as a “personal guide” to students or colleagues. A mentor is one who, through experience, caring, and knowledge, makes a profound difference in the life of another by being a role model, a confidant, a critic, a friend, a teacher, and a co-learner.
Giovanna Urdangarain
(2020/21)
Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies
Jason Skipper
(2018/19)
Associate Professor of English
Rona Kaufman
(2015/16)
Associate Professor of English
Kirsten Christensen
(2014/15)
Professor of German
Chuck Bergman
(2012/13)
Professor of English
