The Russell Foundation established three teaching awards in 1992 to recognize excellent undergraduate instruction by early career faculty members. The $10,000 awards are presented annually at the UGA Faculty Recognition Banquet. To learn more about the Richard B. Russell Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, please visit https://provost.uga.edu/academic-excellence/honors-awards/teaching-awards-professorships/richard-russell-awards-for-excellence-in-undergraduate-teaching/. 

The 2023-24 Russell Teaching Award winners are Jill Anderson, Richard Hall, and Laura Zimmermann. 

Jill Anderson is a Professor in Department of Genetics and the Odum School of Ecology. Anderson's students engage in hands-on research in evolutionary ecology and genetics, applying their learning to real experiments and studies while cultivating critical thinking. In her classes, Anderson fosters inclusivity by highlighting underrepresented scientists and has developed a searchable database to help diversify course content. 

Richard Hall is Associate Professor in the Odum School of Ecology and the Department of Infectious Diseases. Hall's students use the UGA campus as their living laboratories. He also leads study programs in Costa Rica for hands-on conservation experiences. In lectures, Hall uses interactive methods to enhance science literacy and apply mathematical theory, drawing on his own first-generation experience to mentor students effectively. 

Laura Zimmermann is Associate Professor with joint appointment in the Department of Economics and the Department of International Affairs. Zimmerman is renowned for her interdisciplinary teaching, including simulations where students apply economic concepts to real-world scenarios. Her courses incorporate declassified information and political science concepts to analyze historical events, while her active learning methods and personal travel experiences enrich the classroom content.

Past Winners

2022-2023
Gino D'Angelo
Jillian Bohlen
Krista Capps

2021-2022
Jennifer A. Brown
Paul Pollack
Julie Stanton

2020-2021
Jennifer Birch
Jonathan Peters
Emily Sahakian

2019-2020
Tessa Andrews
Tim Samples
Jerry Shannon

2018-2019
Vera Lee-Schoenfeld
Amy Pollard
Sarah Shannon

2017-2018
Christine Albright
Michael Cacciatore
Alex Reed 

2016-2017
Kelly Dyer
Sonia Hernandez
John Mativo 

2015-2016
Robert Beckstead
Kimberly Skobba
Zachary Wood 

2014-2015
Peter Jutras
Andrew Owsiak
Jennifer Palmer 

2013-2014
Anthony Madonna
Maria Navarro
John Schramski 

2012-2013
John Knox
Shari Miller
Ronald Pegg 

2011-2012
James Byers
Joseph Goetz 
Gary Green 

2010-2011
Wesley Allen 
John Maerz 
Kaye Sweetser 

2009-2010
Tracie Costantino 
Brock Tessman 
Craig Wiegert 

2008-2009
Gayle Andrews
Richard Menke
Lance Palmer 

2007-2008
Patricia Richards
George Contini
Mitos Andaya 

2006-2007
Jason Cantarella
Linda Renzulli
Jaroslav Tir 

2005-2006
Peggy Brickman
Audrey A. Haynes
David Mustard 

2004-2005
Jeffrey D. Berejikian 
Takoi Hamrita 
Rodney Mauricio 

2003-2004
Jody Clay-Warner 
Denise S. Mewborn 
Marisa Anne Pagnattaro 

2002-2003
Carolina Acosta-Alzuru
Rhett Jackson
Martin H. Kagel 

2001-2002
Ann Hollifield
Stefanie A. Lindquist
Marc L. Lipson 

2000-2001
Benjamin C. Ayers
David H. Downs
Reuben A. Buford May

1999-2000
James E. Coverdill
Randi N. Stanulis
Clark Wolf 

1998-1999
Victoria Davion
Richard M. Ingersoll
Katherine Kipp 

1997-1998
Marie Annette Chisholm
Elizabeth Pate
Lynne M. Sallot 

1996-1997
Alan R. Dennis
Peg Graham
Jay W. Rojewski 

1995-1996
Robert G. Boehmer
Noel Fallows
Tricia A. Lootens 

1994-1995
Jere W. Morehead
Scott A. Shamp
David S. Williams

1993-1994
Cham E. Dallas
James P. Gilbert
Catherine M. Jones 

1992-1993
Christy Desmet
Robert E. Hoyt
Steven C. Turner 

1991-1992
Peggy Kreshel
Edward J. Larson
Janice Simon