The Jefferson Scholars Foundation recently honored five University of Virginia faculty members with awards recognizing their innovative approaches and classroom excellence. Each faculty member received $5,000 from the foundation.
The foundation presented the awards in two categories earlier this month.
Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Jeremy Middleton is a pediatric gastroenterologist and the director of the third-year pediatric clerkship at the School of Medicine. (Contributed photo)
Dr. Jeremy Middleton, a pediatric gastroenterologist, was recognized for what the foundation called âhis extraordinary ability to cultivate a supportive and intellectually engaging learning environment.â Middleton is also the director of the third-year pediatric clerkship at the School of Medicine.
Suzanne Moomaw, a 17-year teaching veteran at the University, chairs the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning in the School of Architecture. (Contributed photo)
Suzanne Moomaw, a 17-year teaching veteran at the University, is the chair of the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning in the School of Architecture. The foundation noted she has âcreated experiential learning opportunities that connect students directly with pressing global and local challenges.â
Stephen Parks, a professor of English, is also the founder of New City Community Press, an initiative supporting urban youth in using writing to express themselves. (Contributed photo)
Stephen Parks, a professor of English, focuses studentsâ attention on how their writing can influence communities and public conversations and bolster civic engagement. A UVA faculty member since 2019, Parks is also the founder of New City Community Press, an initiative supporting urban youth in using writing to express themselves.
Hartfield Excellence in Teaching Award
John âRobbieâ Hott is an associate professor of computer science in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. (Contributed photo)
John âRobbieâ Hott, an associate professor of computer science in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, often teaches hundreds of students at a time, but still creates a âwelcoming and interactive atmosphereâ in the classroom, the foundation said. Hott was lauded for âbalancing professionalism with authenticityâ and encouraging students to ask questions and âengage deeply with challenging material.â
Robert Kelly is Thomas Goodwin Digges Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. (Contributed photo)
Robert Kelly of the Engineering School was recognized for his decades of âexceptional teaching and mentorshipâ at the University. Kelly, the Thomas Goodwin Digges Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, co-directs the Electrochemical Science and Engineering program and is described by his students as patient and deeply invested in developing young scientists.
You can read more about the award winners on the