Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award Recipients
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Excellence in Teaching & Learning Awards recognize regular (Maroon Award) and fixed-term (Gold Award) faculty members who go above and beyond what is expected in creating exceptional learning opportunities for our students. Our recipients are experts in their fields, effective and creative in promoting student learning, inspire students to high achievement and receive high praise from them in return, and are admired advisors and mentors to future educators.
2025 award recipients
- Nicole Sparling Barco, Ph.D., Department of English Language and Literature (Maroon Award)
- Melissa Stanley, Ph.D., Department of History, World Languages, and Cultures (Gold Award)
Nicole Sparling Barco
Nicole Barco is the 2024-2025 CLASS Maroon Award recipient. Her impact is perhaps best summed up with these words written by her students:
“The most prominent thing that stuck with me was how she challenged us to stay deliberately engaged throughout our program. She encouraged us to think deeper, reflect more thoroughly, and ultimately understand the world through the necessary lens of critical global citizenship.”
“Dr. Barco exemplified everything a student needs to have a truly impactful and educational experience. She was intentional throughout the entirety of the course in making everyone feel comfortable, included, and genuinely seen. She showed deep and active care towards the students every single day, not just as students, but as human beings.”
Melissa Stanley
Melissa Stanley is the 2024-2025 CLASS Gold Award recipient. Her impact is perhaps best summed up with these words written by her students:
“Dr. Melissa Stanley exemplifies what it means to be a transformative educator, combining expertise, empathy, and mentorship to equip students not just for academic success but for meaningful futures.”
“Perhaps most invaluable was the sense of belonging she has cultivated. Whether through one-one-one conversations, collaborative projects, or student-led events, Melissa made each of us feel seen and valued.”
Past award recipients
Maroon Awards
- 2012 - John Robertson, History
- 2013 - Jonathan Truitt, History
- 2014 - Cathy Willermet, Anthropology
- 2015 - Nancy Herman-Kinney, Sociology
- 2016 - Timothy Hartshorne, Psychology
- 2016 - David Kinney, Sociology
- 2017 - Leila Ennaili, World Languages
- 2018 - Amy Carpenter Ford, English
- 2019 - So Hee Jeon, Political Science & Public Administration
- 2019 - Kelly Murphy, Religion
- 2020 - Brittany Fremion, History
- 2021 - Lissa Schwander, Social Work
- 2022 - Matthew Roberson, English
- 2022 - Laurel Zwissler, Religion
- 2023 – Maria Chouza-Calo, History, World Languages, and Cultures
- 2023 – Kyla Stepp, School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service
- 2024 – Maj. Nicholas Andrychowski, Military Science and Leadership
- 2024 – Susan Grettenberger, School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service
Gold Awards
- 2012 - Todd Tremlin, Religion
- 2013 - Ted Troxell, English
- 2014 - Matthew Katz, Philosophy
- 2015 - Amanda Garrison, Sociology
- 2016 - Andrea Devenney, English
- 2017 - Joseph Anderson, Philosophy
- 2018 - Andrew Dietzel, History
- 2018 - Seth Whiting, Psychology
- 2019 - Matthew Katz, Philosophy
- 2019 - Dietmar Krumrey, English
- 2020 - Dusty Myers, Sociology
- 2020 - Elizabeth Whitaker, Sociology
- 2021 - Cindy Davis, World Languages
- 2021 - Jody Sauer, Sociology
- 2023 – Grace VanDeMark, School of Politics, Society Justice and Public Service
Excellence in Teaching Award recipients
- 2005 - First Award, Susan Steffel, English
- 2006 - William Reader, Religion
- 2007 - Elizabeth Brockman, English
- 2008 - Jeffrey Weinstock, English
- 2009 - Joyce Baugh, Political Science & Public Administration
- 2010 - Dan Pugh, Anthropology