Annual Awards

University Distinguished Professor; University Distinguished Mentor
Tim Smith was recently appointed as the 2014 University Distinguished Professor of Psychology for his accomplishments in research. Smith was also chosen as the graduate school's Distinguished Mentor Award recipient, highlighting his exceptional work with students and his ability to help them work toward successful careers.

Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize
In recognition of her outstanding work in teaching, sociology professor Theresa Martinez was awarded the 2014 Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize. The prize is given to a professor who "contributes to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge, and improves our ability to communicate with each other." Martinez will receive $5,000 to use toward introducing new teaching methods and updating her courses.   

Fulbright Award
Political science professor Howard Lehman received his third Fulbright Scholar grant to teach and conduct research at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria. During the 2015 spring semester, Lehman will teach courses on international politics and conduct his study on "Soft Power, Leadership, and Foreign Aid: The Case of Austria."

Lehman's previous Fulbright Scholar grants include one during 1994-1995 in Slovakia, and the other for 2002-2003 in Japan.

Early Career Teaching Award
Shortly before her courageous battle with cancer came to an end, family and consumer studies professor Beverly Brehl was awarded the University Early Career Teaching Award.  The award recognizes professors who demonstrate distinction in teaching and facilitate increased learning by students. Brehl, who battled an aggressive form of breast cancer, continued to teach until she received word that her cancer had spread. Brehl passed away on March 2 at the age of 36.  

Read the Salt Lake Tribune's profile on Brehl.

Public Service Professor
The Lowell Bennion Community Service Center has selected sociology professor Akiko Kamimura as a Public Service Professor for the 2014-2015 academic year. 

Equity and Diversity Award
Political science PhD candidate Samantha Eldridge received the Equity and Diversity Award in recognition for her continued work in enhancing diversity on campus. 

2014 Irwin Altman Award
Professor Jeanine Stefanucci has been selected as this year's recipient of the Irwin Altman Award--an award given to a psychology faculty member for their contribution to research, scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and service to the university and overall community.

Jack Broughton
This year's CSBS Superior Teaching Award was awarded to Jack Broughton from the department of anthropology. "Professor Broughton is not only an expert in the field of anthropology, but he is also an enthusiastic, kind, and accessible instructor. His classes have been the highlight of my undergraduate experience, and it has a lot to do with his fervor for teaching.  His exceptional ability to instill confidence in his students makes him a superior teacher," explained one nomination letter. 

Phil Dennison
Geography professor Phil Dennison was the senior recipient of this year's CSBS Superior Research Award. Dennison's research focuses on the broader spectrum of human-environment interactions, how our Earth is changing, and how human activities are influencing these changes.  He has collaborated with over 100 co-authors on scores of publications and research projects, bringing in over $1.7 million in research funding since 2004.