LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky recognized exceptional teaching across its colleges and schools during the 2026 UK Faculty Awards Ceremony on April 30, presenting Outstanding Teaching Awards to six faculty members and four graduate teaching assistants, according to UKNow, the university's news source.

The Office for Faculty Advancement and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching coordinated the awards, which emphasize UK's commitment to teaching as a core institutional mission. The awards were established by the Provost to reward and encourage excellence in teaching and identify individuals demonstrating dedication to student achievement.

Trey Conatser, Ph.D., director of the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, said in a statement that the awards recognize "the many ways teaching excellence impacts student learning and success across our disciplines and learning environments." He emphasized that winners "collectively demonstrate both the scholarly and deeply human work of teaching, which is fundamental to our mission to advance Kentucky."

Faculty award winners from the six colleges included Brent Harrison from the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering; Shelita Jackson from the College of Social Work; Yeonjung Kang and Savannah Robin from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Darshak Patel from the Gatton College of Business and Economics; and Ryan Voogt from the Lewis Honors College.

Graduate teaching assistant winners — all from across the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education — were Alex Farone, Edgar Garcia-Velozo, Faith Hensley and Clara Mitchinson.

Award criteria include effective and scholarly teaching practices, positive student learning outcomes, innovative curriculum approaches, reflective teaching grounded in continuous improvement, and meaningful departmental or discipline contributions. Winners received certificates, statuettes and cash prizes.

The Graduate School also recognized other faculty achievements during the ceremony. Guoqiang Yu, Ph.D., of the College of Engineering, received the Albert D. and Elizabeth H. Kirwan Memorial Prize, which recognizes collaborative research and contributions to fostering high-quality research. Rachel Shane, Ph.D., of the College of Fine Arts, received the William B. Sturgill Award for outstanding contributions to graduate education.

UKNow said it will profile each Outstanding Teaching Award winner beginning in June, highlighting their individual achievements and approaches to education.