We are proud to announce the 2026 College of Liberal Arts award winners – a collection of faculty and graduate student who demonstrate excellence in their teaching, research, creative activity, and service to the university and community.
The recipients will be recognized at the all-college meeting and awards ceremony on April 29, 2026.
Carl A. Bimson Humanities Seminar
A bequest from Mr. Bimson’s estate provides funding for an ongoing series of humanities seminars. Mr. Bimson envisioned seminars that would bring primary and secondary teachers to CSU’s campus to engage in advanced study of various topics of humanistic learning, facilitated by CLA faculty. In the liberal arts tradition, the College has extended the meaning of “humanities” to encompass the performing and creative arts, humanities, and social science disciplines.
Niroj Bhattarai, Economics
The Ann Gill Faculty Development Award
Funded by generous donors to the College of Liberal Arts through the College’s Great Conversations program, this fund supports annual awards for outstanding research and creative activity by tenured and tenure-track faculty in the College.
Guy Numa, Economics
Sarah Payne, History
Andrew Altschul, English
Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award
Presented in recognition of a member of the College who has shown an exemplary commitment to engaged scholarship.
Meara Faw, Communication Studies
Excellence in Student Mentorship
Honors faculty who contribute to an engaging, supportive, inclusive academic environment through their mentorship of students.
Lisa Morgan, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Outstanding Service Award
Recognizes a member of the College who has made outstanding service contributions to a CLA department, the College, University, profession, and/or community.
Adam Thomas, History
Excellence in Teaching
Honors faculty who contribute to an engaging, supportive, inclusive academic environment through their teaching.
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Kylie Johnson, Communication Studies
CCA Faculty: Rachel Kirby, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Tenure-Track Faculty: Alexis Kennedy, Political Science
Tenured Associate or Full Professor: Jessica Jackson, History
John N. Stern Distinguished Professor Award
This award honors faculty who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishments in all aspects of their professional responsibilities over an extended period of time. The awards are given in the name of John N. Stern, who has endowed the award as part of his donations to the College.
Tobi Jacobi, English
Erika Osborne, Art & Art History