The College of LAS has selected 19 professors, graduate students, lecturers, and advisors as the recipients of this year’s teaching and advising awards.
“It is a privilege to celebrate these remarkable educators and advisors who fulfill our educational mission within the College of LAS,” said Venetria K. Patton, the Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “From newer members of our instructional community to those with years of experience, this year’s honorees—faculty, instructors, and advisors—share an exceptional commitment to teaching, mentoring, and supporting students throughout their academic journeys.”
The awardees will be honored at a ceremony in April. Some recipients have also received campus teaching and advising awards.
Descriptions of the recipients for the LAS awards follow:
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for Instructional Staff
Jordan Axelson, senior lecturer, chemistry, is known for her engaging and energetic lecturing, even at early-morning classes with hundreds of students. “Dr. Axelson recognizes what a challenging course organic chemistry is, and has put in hours of work to ensure students have the most engaging and seamless experience possible,” wrote a former student who now works as a teacher.
Laura Callegari Hill, senior lecturer and director of basic Italian language instruction, French and Italian, found innovative ways to incorporate technology into language instruction, and is known for her positive attitude and enthusiasm. “In partnership with the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, professor Hill has built durable instructional infrastructure for the entire basic Italian sequence, which she continuously revises and upgrades with timely, relevant content,” wrote a colleague.
Max Christie, senior lecturer, Earth science and environmental change, is known for his commitment to student success in classes that are core to the undergraduate major. “The courses that I took with him, and the mentorship I received along the way, have forever influenced the trajectory of my life and career,” wrote a former student.
Barry Hudek, senior lecturer, English, has been recognized for his dedication toward the success of every student. “Not only did I gain confidence in reading and analyzing poetry, but I was converted to the artform and even now read it in my free time, which I credit to Hudek and his commitment to following and supporting students at their level and interests,” wrote a former student.
Marco Jaimes, academic instructor, history, is known for his positive impact on students’ curiosity and confidence with the subject. “Not only did Dr. Jaimes display a noticeable passion for the subjects covered in class, but he also delivered the information to the class in a clear and engaging manner, always addressing any questions that came up,” wrote a student.
John Kotnarowski, senior lecturer, linguistics, is recognized for his personal attention and support toward his students in English as a Second Language courses. “He made that classroom feel like a place where I belonged at a time when everything felt new and uncertain,” wrote a former international student.
Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Bryan Dunne, teaching assistant professor, astronomy. Dunne is regarded as an engaging, innovative, and proactive advisor whose mentorship sets students on the road to success. “Students consistently note that Bryan makes them feel valued, heard, and respected, regardless of background or goals, and that he creates a climate in which they can thrive,” wrote a colleague.
Anna Ivy, senior academic advisor, English. Ivy is a contributor to the campus advising network, curriculum reviews, and humanities-related events. She’s also been recognized for her role in the success of English and creative writing undergraduate programs. “So many of the opportunities I pursued and individuals I connected with were the result of Anna’s encouragement that I was capable and had something meaningful to contribute,” wrote a former student.
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Ade Aguda, chemical and biomolecular engineering. Aguda has contributed significantly to courses such as ChBE 422 (Mass Transfer Operations) and ChBE 494/594 (Advanced Separations for Energy & Sustainability). “Aderiyike was always highly professional and respectful towards students during her interactions…the majority of the class would show up to our discussion sections, as she would teach and talk through how to think about the problems we were given,” wrote a student.
Kirsten Pool, communication. Pool has been recognized for her exemplary teaching across a wide range of undergraduate courses, and served as a faculty extender for HCOM 595: Conflict Management in Health Communication. “She made me feel very comfortable in the setting which made it easier to talk and speak up,” wrote a student.
Corey Richier, psychology. Richier teaches introductory as well as laboratory courses and is widely recognized for creating supportive, intellectually rigorous classroom environments that help undergraduates engage deeply with complex topics in clinical and community psychology. “Corey’s most innovative and impactful teaching, however, emerged at the intersection of open discussion andd his highly polished formal lecturing,” wrote a student.
Cassidy Short, English. Short has taught a variety of courses from business communication to British literature, and she’s known as a dynamic and innovative instructor whose teaching empowers students as confident writers and critical thinkers. “Cassidy’s ongoing support and encouragement pushed me to become a more effective communicator, a stronger writer, and a more critical thinker. She saw my potential even when I didn’t,” wrote a former student.
Amy Vandervelde, classics. Vandervelde is known for innovating ways to effectively teach large lecture classes and leading new engagement strategies that make ancient texts accessible and meaningful for all students. “Amy also provides great feedback for us on our essays. They were all detailed and constructive comments that guided me to be a better writer than I am now,” wrote a former student.
Vincent Villalobos, mathematics. Villalobos is known for creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms that frame introductory calculus and geometry as meaningful and collaborative processes. “Students left discussions not only knowing how to solve problems but why the underlying principles mattered. The use of student feedback to refine each discussion section speaks to a rare professionalism and commitment to educational growth,” wrote a former student.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Burak Erdogan, professor of mathematics. Erdogan is recognized for helping undergraduates develop mathematical reasoning and confidence through carefully structured, interactive courses that emphasize problem-solving and independent thinking. “Professor Erdogan teaches his mathematics courses with hand-drawn images and figures that illuminated the intention and intuition behind the seemingly abstract theorems and formulas that would show up throughout the material,” wrote a student.
Marc Hertzman, professor of history. Hertzman is known for cultivating intellectually vibrant, inclusive classrooms that connect historical study to the present while offering sustained mentorship far beyond the classroom. “Without his help, I don't think I would have been admitted to any PhD history programs. He taught me how to be a better writer, a better researcher, a better historian, and, most importantly, a better person,” wrote a former student.
Soo Ah Kwon, professor of Asian American studies. Kwon is known as a deeply engaged educator whose innovative, inclusive pedagogy connects race, youth, and citizenship to students’ experiences while strengthening undergraduate curriculum and advising. “Because of Dr. Kwon’s teaching, I have become more empathic and confident when engaging with complex social issues and navigating difficult conversations,” wrote a former student.
Joaquín Rodríguez-López, professor of chemistry. Lopez is known for breaking down complex, historically challenging courses into engaging and student-centered learning experiences, and for extending chemistry education beyond the classroom through mentorship and community outreach. “I liked the flipped classroom style and the group activities that we did each week. Professor Lopez is probably the most understanding and compassionate professor I have had in my time at U of I,” commented a former student
Corey Van Landingham, professor of English. Van Landingham is a cornerstone of the Creative Writing Program, where her carefully curated curricula, student-centered workshops, and sustained mentorship have shaped future poets and writers. “She sees the best in every student, and with great patience and kindness, teaches them to recognize this capability in themselves,” wrote a former student.
Campus teaching and advising awards announced
The Office of the Provost has also announced 2026 campus-level teaching and advising awards. The awardees include Mariselle Meléndez (Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring); Avital Livny and Joaquín Rodríguez-López (Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research); Leslie Looney (Excellence in Online Teaching); Bryan Dunne (Excellence in Undergraduate Advising); and Marc Hertzman, Joaquín Rodríguez-López, Cory Van Landingham, Max Christie, John Kotnarowski, Ade Aguda, Kirsten Pool, Cassidy Short, Amy Vandervelde, and Vincent Villalobos (Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching).
