The University of Georgia announced on March 27 the recipients of its 2026 Award for Excellence in Teaching, recognizing faculty members Melissa Scott Kozak and Kim Landrum for their exemplary instruction and commitment to student learning.
The award honors teaching faculty who dedicate themselves primarily to outstanding teaching both inside and outside the classroom. The recognition highlights the university’s ongoing focus on high-quality education and acknowledges those who shape a culture of learning at UGA.
Melissa Scott Kozak, principal lecturer in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, said, “Learning is my goal every day. As a teacher, I am a learner first. To be a responsive teacher, it is critical that I learn about my students, my field and my teaching practice. This ongoing curiosity shapes how I think about learning itself — that it occurs in multiple ways, in diverse spaces.”
Kozak transformed her Family Life Education Methodology course into a service-learning experience by partnering students with UGA Cooperative Extension agents across Georgia to address community needs. Her efforts earned her the UGA Service-Learning Teaching Excellence Award in 2025. She has also participated in several university programs focused on innovative teaching methods and was inducted into the UGA Teaching Academy in 2024. A former student wrote, “Dr. Kozak exemplifies excellence in teaching. Her ability to combine knowledge, inclusivity and innovation has left a lasting impact on her students… Her influence extends beyond the classroom.” A colleague added that she “stands out” among exceptional teachers due to strong student relationships and adoption of cutting-edge pedagogical innovations.
Kim Landrum, principal lecturer in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, centers her teaching approach on curiosity, consistency, and deliberate practice. Landrum said these pillars are key to developing confidence: “If I can remind students that learning is empowering and mastery builds confidence… then perhaps this idea will stay with them through their own lives.”
Landrum has designed several new courses now central to her department’s curriculum—including Social Media Content & Production as well as Podcast Branding & Production—and led experiential initiatives like the Summer Studio Creative Portfolio Program. One former student wrote that Landrum’s mentorship “goes beyond traditional education,” fostering belonging while preparing students for professional success.
Both honorees continue seeking opportunities for professional growth through university fellowships focused on innovative teaching practices.
The University of Georgia’s annual recognition underscores its emphasis on educational excellence by highlighting instructors whose dedication benefits current students while shaping future generations.
