Faculty Recognition
As a liberal arts and sciences college, Alma is dedicated to providing a high quality educational experience. Alma's faculty demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching — characterized by engagement, accessibility, interaction and collaboration. The College honors faculty members' distinguished achievement through a number of awards programs.
- William R. Angell Professorship. Established by the Angell Foundation to honor the late William R. Angell, this award recognizes excellence in teaching and productive research.
- Barlow Awards. Established in 1982 by the late Dr. Joel Barlow '29, this annual cash stipend recognizes high levels of faculty contribution "to furthering the educational mission of the College." Teaching, scholarship, creativity or performance, and College and community service are acknowledged.
- Charles A. Dana Professorships. A grant from the Charles A. Dana Foundation established four endowed professorships in 1972 (a fifth was added later). These awards recognize outstanding teacher-scholars.
- Elma C. and Wesley C. Dykstra Professorship. Established by Wesley C. Dykstra, Professor Emeritus, this endowed professorship is to be awarded to a faculty member from the Philosophy and Art and Design departments, or other discipline within the Humanities. The criteria for award include distinguished record of teaching, scholarship and service as well as a profound commitment to the liberal arts.
- Posey Award for Faculty Excellence. Initially presented in 1999, this award recognizes distinction in classroom teaching, service learning, diversity education, global education, student research, building community and scholarly performance. It provides a stipend and extra support for teaching, scholarship or service initiatives.
- Reid-Knox Chair of American History. Established in 1992 from the estates of Frank and Annie Reid Knox, alumni from the 1890s, the Chair recognizes excellence in teaching and scholarship in the field of American History.
- Secrest Professorship. Established in 1993, this award was funded by former Board of Trustees Chair Fred Secrest and his wife, Stephanie. The Professorship acknowledges excellence in performing arts teaching and in outstanding direction of student performance activities.
- Russell Professorship of Political Science. "Excellence in teaching" defines the criteria the late Arthur L. Russell '41 of Harlingen, Tex., wanted to note in the recipient of this professorship.
- Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Begun in 1996, this award recognizes a younger faculty member's demonstrated excellence in the classroom with a cash stipend.
- Towsley Professorship of Chemistry. This endowed professorship was established in 1987 by the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation of Ann Arbor (now of Midland), Michigan. The award recognizes excellence in the teaching of chemistry.