Three A&S Professors Honored by Jefferson Scholars Foundation for Classroom Excellence

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation has awarded its annual Excellence in Teaching Award to  three faculty members from the University of Virginia's College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Each recipient, including the two honored this year from other schools within UVA, will receive a $5,000 award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education at UVA.

This year’s A&S honorees are assistant professor of philosophy Nate Adams, biology professor Jianhua "J.C." Cang and assistant professor of astronomy Ilse Cleeves. Each of them was recognized for their innovative approaches to teaching and their dedication to their students’ success.

Known for its merit-based scholarship program, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation has awarded approximately $650,000 to more than 85 UVA faculty members across the University’s various schools over the past two decades.

Foundation president Jimmy Wright emphasized the faculty’s role in maintaining UVA’s academic excellence.

“Attracting top students requires an exceptional faculty, and we’re proud to recognize their dedication and impact,” he said.

Ben Skipper, vice president and director of the foundation’s undergraduate programs, said the recognized faculty members do more than teach.

“They inspire,” Skipper said. “Their impact extends beyond the classroom through groundbreaking research and meaningful outreach, embodying the scholarship, leadership and citizenship that define our mission.”