Three teaching faculty were honored during the Excellence in Education: Teaching Faculty Symposium.
The event was a partnership between the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and the ADVANCE Center to celebrate the creativity and impact of the University’s teaching faculty.
“The goal was to recognize those who work directly with our students, often in large classes with high teaching loads and significant advising responsibilities,” said Kasi Jackson, director of the ADVANCE Center and professor of women’s and gender studies. “Teaching faculty do the work upon which the future of WVU depends. They prepare our students for career, family and community responsibilities.”
A panel of judges from a variety of colleges and academic units evaluated over 35 faculty poster presentations for the symposium.
Three faculty members were recognized for their contributions:
• Josh Karr, teaching assistant professor in the School of Mathematical and Data Sciences at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, received the Impact Through Education Award, which recognizes instructional techniques applicable across multiple disciplines and teaching contexts (e.g., discipline, modality, size of class).
• Jennifer Momen, associate professor and program director for the Physician Assistant Studies program within the WVU School of Medicine, was awarded the Student Engagement in Learning Award for her research-focused project on the evaluation student competency across domains.
• Akua Oppong-Anane, teaching assistant professor in the Fundamentals of Engineering program at the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, was the recipient of the Inspiring Educator Award, which was selected by the audience.
President Michael T. Benson provided opening remarks for the event highlighting the impact of WVU teaching faculty who serve as educators, mentors, innovators and champions of our students’ success.
Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, said the Symposium underscores the institution’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, collaboration and the advancement of transformative teaching and learning.
“The showcase provided a wonderful opportunity to recognize faculty innovation and share ideas that are shaping the future of teaching at West Virginia University,” Mago said.
In addition to the faculty awards, a juried selection of posters from those featured during the Symposium will be placed in the WVU Research Repository in spring 2026.
The Symposium concluded with a collaborative panel discussion with the recent winners of the WVU Foundation Awards for Outstanding Teaching discussing topics on teaching practices for impact and creating dynamic spaces for educators.