The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign each year presents Campus Awards for Excellence in Instruction to exceptional faculty and staff members, graduate teaching assistants and advisors campuswide. This year’s recipients are being honored at a ceremony on April 15.
Awardees are cited for sustained excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching, undergraduate and graduate advising and mentoring, online teaching and research guidance. The Office of the Provost sponsors the awards. Learn more about each honoree as excerpted from their nomination forms.
EXCELLENCE IN GUIDING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
The Campus Award for Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research is designed to foster and reward excellence in involving and guiding undergraduate students in scholarly research.
Integrative biology professor Wendy Yang’s mentorship style is characterized by the care and attention she provides her students. She actively adapts research opportunities to align with students’ unique strengths and career goals, identifying cross-disciplinary opportunities like integrating statistical training into ecological research.
EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
Faculty, specialized faculty and teaching assistants are eligible for the Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
Evolution, ecology and behavior professor Phil Anderson is a dedicated educator renowned for his engaging teaching in anatomy and biomechanics. He combines scientific storytelling, hands-on labs and research opportunities that fosters student curiosity and critical thinking. His commitment to student success and inclusivity is exemplary.