KU News Release

Six KU faculty members earn distinguished teaching awards; two others honored

LAWRENCE — Six University of Kansas faculty members will receive distinguished teaching awards for the 2006-07 academic year during commencement May 20. Two other awards will be presented to recognize teaching excellence.

The Chancellors Awards for Outstanding Classroom Teaching are given each year to faculty from the KU Medical Center. This year’s recipients are James P. Calvet, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; Gregory Allen Reed, associate professor of pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics; and Peter G. Smith, professor of molecular and integrative physiology.

From the Lawrence campus, Hannah Britton, assistant professor of political science and women’s studies, will be the recipient of the Ned N. Fleming Trust Award for distinguished teaching, scholarship and service. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize.

Kathryn Conrad, associate professor of English, will receive the Byron Shutz Award. The award, established in 1978 to honor distinguished teaching in economics and business, was modified in 1985 to honor outstanding teachers from any discipline in alternate years. Winners of the award receive a $4,000 cash prize and deliver a public lecture on their areas of expertise during the fall semester.

Brian Donovan, assistant professor of sociology, will receive the Silver Anniversary Award, provided by the 25-year alumni class. The award carries with it a $2,500 cash prize. The award is presented annually to tenure-track faculty who have not yet been considered for tenure.

Byron Caminero-Santangelo, director of graduate studies for the English department, will receive the Louise Byrd Graduate Educator Award. He will be honored during KU’s doctoral hooding ceremony May 19 at the Lied Center. The award honors faculty members who have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to graduate students and graduate education, as well as distinguishing themselves as scholars. The award, sponsored by the Graduate School, includes a $1,000 cash prize.

Theresa Milk, a professor at Haskell Indian Nations University, will receive the Crystal Eagle Award. Indigenous nations studies graduate students give the award to an individual who shows exceptional leadership and dedication toward helping community members or students within indigenous communities. The award will be presented to Milk today at the Center for Indigenous Nations Studies’ Crystal Eagle Banquet at the Kansas Union. The event is not open to the public.

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