Every year, the Austin College faculty recognizes divisional colleagues for excellence in areas of scholarship, teaching, and service. This year, each division added a fourth award, and could offer two awards in one area or create a new area of recognition. Faculty members from each division select the annual awardees. Winners from the previous year announced the 2020 awards at the end-of-year faculty meeting.
2020 Awardees:
Humanities Division
Victoria Cummins, professor of history, The Humanities Division Award for Outstanding Scholarship
Patrick Duffey, professor of Spanish, The Humanities Division Award for Outstanding Teaching
Melinda Landeck, assistant professor of East Asian studies, The Humanities Division Award for Outstanding Student Engagement
Elena Olivé, associate professor of Spanish, The Humanities Division Award for Outstanding Service
Social Sciences
Nathan Bigelow, associate professor of political science, The Social Science Division Award for Outstanding Service
Julia Shahid, associate professor of teacher education, The Social Science Division Award for Outstanding Teaching
Ashley Tharayil, assistant professor of economics, The Social Science Division Award for Outstanding Teaching
Kevin Simmons, professor of economics, The Social Science Division Award for Outstanding Scholarship
Sciences
David Aiello, associate professor of biology, The Science Division Award for Outstanding Professional Excellence
Jessica Healy, associate professor of biology, The Science Division Award for Outstanding Service
James Hebda, assistant professor of biochemistry, The Science Division Award for Outstanding Teaching
Brad Smucker, professor of chemistry, The Science Division Award for Outstanding Scholarship
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with 46 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and more than 100 expert faculty members allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Austin College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.