2024 winners of the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Mitzy Erdmann, Ph.D.; Yakov Kasman, DMA; Maria Hopkins, Ph.D.

Purpose

The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes full-time regular faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences in the three distinctive areas noted below who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching.

• Arts and Humanities – Art and Art History, Music, Theatre, English,  World Languages, History, and Philosophy
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics – Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics
• Social and Behavioral Sciences – African American Studies, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology

Award

The three faculty members so honored will receive a cash award of $1,000 and an engraved plaque that stands as a symbol of the professor’s achievement.

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to full-time regular faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences. The individual must have held faculty status at UAB for a minimum of three years and may receive the award only once in any three-year period.

Criteria for Selection

The awards shall be based solely on outstanding accomplishments in teaching as demonstrated by any or all of the following:

• Broad, thorough knowledge of the subject area and the ability to effectively convey difficult concepts to students
• Exemplary classroom instruction as evidenced by student and peer evaluations
• Fairness, open-mindedness, and accessibility to students in and out of the classroom setting
• An objective, analytical approach to information; clear portrayal of conceptual interrelationships; and intellectually stimulating classroom presentations
• Ability to inspire and mentor students through advising and publication of their work
• Effective use of innovative teaching methods and assurance that the professor’s courses stay abreast of current theory and use of modern technology
• Promotion of ethical and professional values and behavior among students
• Ability to infuse students with a commitment to life-long learning and professional development
• Service and scholarly activities that provide excellent role models for students

Procedure for Nomination

Any member of the student body, faculty, or alumni may make a nomination by completing and submitting, by the announced deadline, a nomination package consisting of:

1. The nomination form
2. An abbreviated biographical sketch of the nominee, limited to three pages
3. A resume
4. A maximum of three letters of support

The nomination must clearly demonstrate that the nominee meets the selection criteria and eligibility requirements.

Entry forms and support letters should be scanned and emailed to Dr. Catherine Danielou, Senior Associate Dean, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nominations must be submitted by March 18, 2024.

Selection

The three winners will be considered for the final College of Arts and Sciences nominee for the President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching.

All deliberations and information provided to the College of Arts and Sciences committee shall be considered confidential and not shared with anyone outside of the committee. All communications with faculty or administrators concerning the nominees shall be made by the chair of the committee or his/her designee.