Academic Affairs

The Teaching Awards were established in 1994 to underscore the importance of teaching and to encourage, identify, recognize, reward, and support good teaching within the University. These awards are presented annually to a member of the faculty of each of the constituent institutions of the University.

The UNC Board of Governors has selected 17 outstanding University faculty members to receive the 2026 Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The recipients, who represent all 16 of North Carolina's public universities and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, were nominated by special committees at each institution and selected by the Board of Governors Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs. The award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of faculty members System-wide.

• Dr. Elizabeth Shay, associate professor in the Department of Geography and Planning - Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching - $12,500
• Dr. Pablo Chialvo, lecturer in the Department of Biology - Board of Governors Appalachian State University Award for Excellence in Teaching - $1,500
• Winners of the Appalachian State University School/College Awards, with a prize of $1,000 each, are:
  • Dr. Mark Nunes, professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Dr. Rebecca Kappus, associate professor, Department of Kinesiology
  • Dr. Savannah Paige Murray, assistant professor, Department of English
  • Dr. Justin Kent, assistant professor, Department of Management
  • Dr. R. Jason Lynch, associate professor, Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education

See full list of 2026 Teaching Award Winners

Read more about Board of Governors Awards