Jefferson Scholars Foundation rewards five UVA faculty members for teaching excellence

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

Portrait of Dr. Jeremy Middleton

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 “his extraordinary ability to cultivate a supportive and intellectually engaging learning environment.” Middleton is also the director of the third-year pediatric clerkship at the School of Medicine.

Portrait of Suzanne Moomaw

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 “created experiential learning opportunities that connect students directly with pressing global and local challenges.”

Portrait of Stephen Parks

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 students’ 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

Portrait of John “Robbie” Hott

John “Robbie” Hott is an associate professor of computer science in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. (Contributed photo)

John “Robbie” 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 “welcoming and interactive atmosphere” in the classroom, the foundation said. Hott was lauded for “balancing professionalism with authenticity” and encouraging students to ask questions and “engage deeply with challenging material.”

Portrait of Robert Kelly

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 “exceptional teaching and mentorship” 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

Media Contacts

Mike Mather

Executive Editor University Communications