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Accolades

University Teaching Awards honor 25 standout educators

Selected from 588 nominations, the winners are skilled instructors and “true champions of the student.”

Graphic of UNC campus against  Blue backdrop with text reading

Twenty-five faculty members and graduate teaching assistants have been recognized for their excellence with the 2025 University Teaching Awards. 

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and Provost J. Christopher Clemens announced the winners Jan. 21, writing in a campus message that “each of these individuals demonstrates the depth and scope of ’s commitment to teaching and mentoring.” 

“This group of vibrant teachers and mentors represents the diversity of people and disciplines on our campus,” they wrote. “Not every outstanding teacher receives an award, but each award winner this year undoubtedly represents the best of what has to offer.” 

The annual awards provide a chance to recognize outstanding teaching and mentoring of undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students. Faculty, staff, students and alumni nominate deserving teachers and mentors. 

The University Teaching Awards Committee reviews nominations each fall and gathers additional information before recommending a slate of winners to the chancellor. This year, the committee evaluated 588 nominations before selecting the following winners in nine categories. 

Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching

  • , mathematics department, College of Arts and Sciences

Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement  

  • , public policy department, College of Arts and Sciences 

Distinguished Teaching Award for Post-Baccalaureate Instruction 

  • , School of Education   
  • , School of Education
  • , School of Medicine
  • , School of Medicine

Chapman Family Teaching Awards  

  • , chemistry department, College of Arts and Sciences 
  • , Asian and Middle Eastern studies department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • , School of Education

Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching  

  • , psychology and neuroscience department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , chemistry department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , biology department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , political science department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , English and comparative literature department, College of Arts and Sciences

William C. Friday Award for Excellence in Teaching  

  • , biomedical engineering department 

Carlyle Sitterson Award for Teaching First-Year Students  

  • , philosophy department, College of Arts and Sciences 
  • , anthropology department, College of Arts and Sciences

Johnston Teaching Excellence Award  

  • , psychology and neuroscience department, College of Arts and Sciences 
  • , mathematics department, College of Arts and Sciences

Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by Graduate Teaching Assistants  

  • , physics department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , Romance studies department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , Gillings School of Global Public Health
  • , history department, College of Arts and Sciences
  • , mathematics department, College of Arts and Sciences

More information about the winners can be found on the on the provost website. Look for short Q&As with the honorees in The Well later this semester.