Leaf, Belk Receive 2023 Teaching Awards
Two faculty from University College have earned prestigious awards from the NC State Alumni Association.
Last month, the NC State Alumni Association recognized the university’s top faculty who consistently demonstrate excellence in NC State’s core values – teaching, research and extension. Two University College faculty were honored at the event.
Nathan Leaf, teaching professor for the Department of Performing Arts and Technology, received the Outstanding Teacher Award, recognizing excellence in teaching at all levels. Nominations originate within a faculty’s department then departmental nominees are forwarded to the college award committee for consideration. Each college names their Outstanding Teacher. Recipients of the college-level awards are then reviewed for consideration for selection into the university’s Academy of Outstanding Teachers. Those selected for the academy retain this honor for as long as they remain a member of the NC State faculty. Recipients were recognized at the University Teaching Awards Luncheon in April.
At the same ceremony, Leaf was awarded with the Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award. This award is recommended by the Provost’s Administrative Advisory Committee for consideration by the NC State Alumni Association to be named Alumni Outstanding Teacher. Upon confirmation, they will be recognized at an Alumni Association event.
Autumn Mist Belk, teaching professor in the Department of Performing Arts and Technology, was also recognized with the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Award, which is given to professors who excel in the classroom, laboratory and in their field. The award is one of the most prestigious undergraduate awards given on campus. Up to six recipients receive this recognition yearly and retain their titles for their careers as NC State faculty members.
University College faculty are nominated by their departments or programs, complete an extensive dossier, and receive letters of support from peers and students. The University College Teaching Awards Committee thoroughly reviews the nominations and sends them on to the Provost’s Administrative Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations for who receives the award. The committee also selects a subset of recipients who receive the additional Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award.
“We are incredibly proud of Nathan and Autumn and all of their achievements,” said Doneka Scott, vice chancellor and dean for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. “Receiving these prestigious faculty awards further demonstrates what we already knew — that they are both experts in their respective fields and accomplished teachers who have had a significant impact on our students.”
Learn more about the awards and view the complete list of winners here.
