2026 Faculty Awards Recognize Excellence in Advising, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service
April 16, 2026
On April 8, Vice-Provost and Dean of the College Jennifer Cooley and Associate Dean for Faculty Development Deon Miles honored the dedication and impact of Sewanee’s exceptional faculty with the presentation of the 2026 Faculty Awards. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to advising, scholarship, service, and teaching.
Assistant Professor of Politics Patrick Gauding received the Award for Excellence in Academic Advising or Mentoring. In support of Gauding’s nomination, students noted his commitment to his students and how he has helped them prepare for future career success. Wrote one student, “[Gauding] does a great job linking what students can do on campus or during their time at Sewanee to future career goals. Between conferences, independent study, research assistantships, and internships, he is always helping students find ways to work towards their goals. Every advising session is a combination of practical advice and some career mapping.”
Professor of Chemistry Rob Bachman was recognized with the Award for Excellence in Service to the Institution. Nominated for this award by his faculty colleagues, Bachman was honored for his participation in and leadership of many key components of University governance, including his current chairing of the Chemistry and Physics Departments. In support of his nomination, one colleague wrote, “Rob's service demonstrates his commitment to students and to his colleagues, and showcases the values of the institution, such as academic excellence and concern for the community.”
The Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Research, or Creative Activity was won by two faculty members: Associate Professor of Biology Katie McGhee and Professor of History Kelly Whitmer. McGhee, who was recently awarded a major grant by the National Science Foundation, was recognized not only for her research productivity—which includes the publishing of 10 peer-reviewed articles since 2019—but for the intentional manner in which she involves students in her research. Wrote one colleague in support of her nomination, “McGhee has adeptly balanced the expectation to conduct high-caliber science, published in leading scholarly journals, with the added challenge of mentoring the next generation of biologists by involving them in research projects. In this regard, she serves as a model for all of her faculty colleagues.” Whitmer’s scholarly work includes the authoring of two books, including the upcoming Useful Nature(s): Science, Pedagogy and the Power of Youth in Early Modern Central Europe, and more than 20 articles, the co-editing of leading journals, and the holding of fellowships at two of the most prestigious intellectual centers in Europe: the Gotha Research Center and the Alexander von Humboldt Institute.
The Award for Excellence in Teaching was also shared by two faculty members: Teaching Professor of English Stephanie Batkie and Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Eric Ezell. In praise of Batkie’s teaching, one student wrote, “I've found [Batkie’s] excitement and enthusiasm for her subject really engaging as a student, and she's always willing to go more in depth in the topics of discussion after class.” Added another, “She's always encouraging us to tie the material we are discussing in class to the materials we are exploring in other classes and disciplines.” About Ezell’s teaching, another student wrote, “[Ezell] is so passionate and excited about the material he teaches. He invites his students to engage deeply with the material he is presenting and celebrates students of all backgrounds and disciplines. His pedagogy fosters curiosity and creativity.” Wrote another, “He consistently seeks out ways to make his material applicable to many different disciplines through in-class and outside of class activities. He ensures that even if a student never does anything else with environmental studies, the class will still be meaningful.”
At the ceremony, Miles also recognized the three faculty members who received external grant awards in the previous year: Professor of Biology Kristen Cecala, who received a grant from the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation and an Appalachian Colleges Association (ACA) faculty fellowship; School of Theology faculty member Paul Holloway, professor of classics and ancient Christianity, who received an ACA Ledford Scholars grant; and Associate Professor of Biology Katie McGhee, who received a National Science Foundation Mid-Career Advancement grant.
Students in the College and faculty colleagues collectively submitted 108 nominations for consideration for this year’s awards. The winners were selected by faculty committees composed of previous honorees for each award. View previous award recipients here.
