Bucknell Faculty Honored for Student-centered Teaching Excellence
May 28, 2025
At Bucknell's 175th Commencement on May 18, six faculty members representing all three of the University's colleges were recognized with awards for outstanding teaching. Selected through nominations from students and colleagues, these educators exemplify Bucknell's commitment to dynamic, supportive learning grounded in mentorship and real-world application. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on their students, departments and the campus community.
The 2025 teaching award recipients are:
Professor Michael Krout, chemistry
William Pierce Boger Jr., M.D., Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Natural Sciences
Professor Michael Krout, chemistry, received the William Pierce Boger Jr., M.D., Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Natural Sciences for his leadership in advancing Bucknell’s chemistry programs. Photo by Douglas Kilpatrick
A synthetic organic chemist, Krout is celebrated for his rigorous yet encouraging teaching style, pushing students to move beyond memorization and develop a deeper, conceptual grasp of chemistry. His classes emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving, helping students "think like a chemist." During the pandemic, Krout introduced new learning initiatives like an Organic Prep Workshop and an embedded teaching assistant program. He has also provided key leadership as chair of Bucknell's graduate program committee, strengthening the University's master's program in chemistry.
Profesor Cymone Fourshey, history and international relations, and director of the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives & Cultures
Class of 1956 Lectureship for Inspirational Teaching
Professor Cymone Fourshey, history and international relations, earned the Class of 1956 Lectureship for Inspirational Teaching for her student-centered approach, impactful mentorship and leadership of the Griot Institute. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications
Known for her holistic, student-centered approach, Fourshey makes complex historical and political topics relevant to students' lives, cultivating intellectual curiosity and academic growth. As director of the Griot Institute, she has expanded opportunities for underrepresented students through lectures, workshops and creative programming, participating alongside students in these experiences. Fourshey has mentored 18 students who presented at national conferences and will deliver the annual Class of 1956 Lecture in the 2025–26 academic year.
Professor Chun-Miin "Jimmy" Chen, analytics & operations management
Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching
Professor Chun-Miin "Jimmy" Chen, analytics & operations management, received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching for his dynamic, hands-on courses and impactful industry partnerships. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications
Within the Freeman College of Management, Chen is known for his practical, engaging teaching style. His courses in business analytics and management feature simulations, games and industry partnerships, giving students hands-on experience with real-world business challenges. His collaborative projects with local companies allow students to present data-driven recommendations to industry professionals, earning consistent praise from both students and business partners. Chen's sense of humor, enthusiasm and genuine investment in his students' success distinguish his teaching.
Professor Eric Kennedy, biomedical engineering
Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence
Professor Eric Kennedy, biomedical engineering, received the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence for his energetic, student-focused teaching and leadership in creating hands-on learning opportunities like the Bucknell Fabrication Workshop. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications
Since 2007, Kennedy has taught a wide range of biomedical engineering courses, from introductory classes to senior capstones. His approachable, high-energy teaching style and ability to link classroom concepts to real-world applications have earned strong student praise. Kennedy emphasizes holistic development, integrating technical instruction with personal and professional growth. He co-founded the Bucknell Fabrication Workshop and the College of Engineering Design Challenges, expanding experiential learning opportunities across campus.
Professor Peter McNamara, mathematics & statistics
Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter McNamara, mathematics & statistics, earned the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence for his commitment to mentorship, outreach and creative mathematical experiences. Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications
McNamara is celebrated for creating what he calls "joyful, meaningful and empowering mathematical experiences." Since joining Bucknell in 2006, he has taught everything from introductory calculus to advanced combinatorics, tailoring his approach to meet students where they are while inspiring them to grow. Students say they value his clarity, patience and genuine investment in their success. His impact extends beyond the classroom through undergraduate research mentorship, community outreach like the AMC 8 middle school math contest, and mathematical art exhibitions.
Professor Katie Hays, English
Writing Across the Curriculum Award of Excellence
Professor Katie Hays, English, received the Writing Across the Curriculum Award of Excellence for her transformative, discovery-driven teaching and mentorship. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications
A poet and professor of creative writing, Hays has taught 57 courses since 2005, shaping the University's writing culture across all three colleges. She says she views writing as a tool for discovery and transformation, a philosophy evident in her creative writing courses, advanced poetry workshops and innovative Inside-out Prison Exchange Program courses at state correctional institutions in Pennsylvania. Beyond teaching, Hays has mentored students on award-winning theses exploring science, identity and culture through writing.
