Teaching awards presented annually at the University of Virginia honor dedicated, passionate faculty members who contribute to an environment of excellence, rigor and academic growth for students.

This year, some clear, complementary patterns emerged in the awards administered by the Office of the Provost. In endorsements from faculty colleagues, student testimonials and reflections from the faculty members themselves, kindness, outreach and personal touches that helped students overcome challenges shone through.

There were stories of teachers making extra efforts to build mentoring relationships during the pandemic when many courses were online, and stories of steps faculty members took to create the most welcoming environment possible. And there were stories of teachers opening their offices and homes to help people navigate the emotional trauma of the Nov. 13 shootings on Grounds.

UVA Today presents the 2023 winners of the Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award and the Alumni Board of Trustees Teaching Award, as well as the recipients of the All-University Teaching Awards:

Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award

• Xiaochao Zheng, Professor of Physics, Arts & Sciences

Alumni Board of Trustees Teaching Award

• Mary Kuhn, Assistant Professor of Environmental Humanities, Arts & Sciences

All-University Teaching Awards

• Joseph Allen, Professor of Psychology, Arts & Sciences
• Chris Chang-Bacon, Assistant Professor, School of Education and Human Development
• Christine Connelly, Assistant Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing
• Bonnie Hagerman, Assistant Professor of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Arts & Sciences
• Peter Johannessen, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
• Melissa Levy, Associate Professor, School of Education and Human Development
• Hui Ma, Assistant Professor of Applied Math, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Jessamyn Manson, Assistant Professor of Biology, Arts & Sciences
• Gregory Propp, Assistant Professor of American Sign Language, Arts & Sciences
• Kimberly Robinson, Professor of Law, School of Law
• Karen Simroth James, Associate Professor of French, Arts & Sciences 

Peter Johannessen, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

Johannessen employs a teaching approach described as “scaffolding” in his Batten School courses. Working through group assignments, he introduces new, increasingly complex elements along the way that build and layer writing, analysis, collaboration and other skills needed to bring the project home.

While the lens is public policy, Johannessen said in his teaching statement that the goal is to empower students with a “growth mindset” that leads to skills that can be applied in any career choice.

“Instead of teaching a set of facts, I aim to provide students with tools and analytical skills that they can use to understand the world – and create change within it. In doing so, my teaching seeks to help all students, no matter who they are or what they want to be,” he wrote.

And no matter what personal challenges they might face.

Writing in support of his nomination, one student diagnosed with a learning disability said that her experience with Johannessen “has completely changed my life.”

“Professor Johannessen challenged me; he pushed me to recognize the potential I have. He has never once made me feel like my learning disability is a hindrance or a disadvantage. Rather, he has invested three years into ensuring that there is a safe space for me to learn and grow,” the student wrote. “The grace, patience, and support he exhibited to me has motivated me to pay that kindness and empowerment forward.”