Three University of Georgia faculty members were named recipients of the Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, according to a March 27 announcement. The award recognizes outstanding teaching by faculty early in their academic careers and includes a $10,000 prize supported by the Richard B. Russell Foundation in Atlanta.
The recognition highlights the importance of innovative and supportive undergraduate instruction at UGA. Recipients are chosen for their commitment to engaging students both inside and outside the classroom, as well as for fostering environments that promote learning and mentorship.
Gaelen Burke, a professor in the Department of Entomology at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said, “I am committed to the quality teaching of undergraduates inside and outside of the classroom and using novel approaches to engage students and facilitate their learning.” Burke’s approach includes active learning techniques such as hands-on experiments with M&M’s to teach experimental design. She has mentored more than 30 undergraduates; several have authored peer-reviewed publications or received research grants. A former student described her as “an outstanding model for what it means to be a driven, enthusiastic, engaging educator.”
Matthew Evans, associate professor in Entertainment and Media Studies at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, focuses on empowering students through screenwriting workshops that mirror professional writers’ rooms. “My ultimate goal as a teacher… is for them to harness and have confidence in their own unique voices,” Evans said. He has developed new courses including “Writing for Television” and mentored students who have gone on to work at major entertainment companies like Disney and Netflix.
Ingie Hovland, assistant professor in Religion at Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ Institute for Women’s and Gender Studies, aims to help students thoughtfully engage with religion through advanced reading skills. “My goal as their teacher is to channel their interest in religion into an ability to respond thoughtfully to it — and to each other,” Hovland said. Her five-step method emphasizes reading comprehension, discussion-based classes, analytical writing assignments, and final projects designed around complex human situations.
All three recipients are recognized not only for innovative teaching but also strong mentorship records within their fields.
