Each year during Spring Commencement, the University of Evansville recognizes one Outstanding Teacher for exemplary teaching and dedicated service to students.

Nominations may be submitted by students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni for teachers who exemplify the award’s goal of encouraging outstanding teaching and the inclusion of students in as many facets of academic life as possible.

Eligibility

Any full‑time faculty member who is a classroom teacher, has taught at least two years at UE, and holds the rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, clinical assistant, or clinical associate is eligible. Administrators or committee members involved in the current selection cycle and recipients from the last five years are not eligible.

Recipients receive recognition at Commencement, a plaque presented by the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, and a monetary award.

Criteria for Consideration

• A record of outstanding teaching effectiveness both within and outside the classroom
• The ability to inspire, promote, and sustain the intellectual development of students
• A pedagogical approach that is innovative, intellectually rigorous, creative, and engaging
• Demonstrated scholarly contributions and integration of scholarship into teaching
• Advising and mentoring of students and student organizations
• Involvement in the University and/or the greater community

Past Recipients

• 1968 – Dr. P. Louis Winternheimer – Biology
• 1969 – Dr. Paul E. Grabill – English
• 1970 – Dr. Orville J. Jaebker – History
• 1971 – Dr. Arthur B. Aarstad – Political Science
• 1972 – Mr. Ludwig A. Petkovsek – Sociology
• 1973 – Dr. Warren M. Hankins – Chemistry
• 1974 – Dr. Donald W. Dunham – Biology
• 1975 – Dr. Ralph D. Coleman H'73 – Mathematics
• 1976 – Dr. Ray W. Arensman '46 – Economics
• 1977 – Dr. Virginia L. Grabill – English
• 1978 – Dr. Michael J. Carson '66 – English
• 1979 – Rev. Robert L. Kress – Philosophy
• 1980 – Dr. David A. Gugin – Political Science
• 1981 – Mrs. Dorothy M. Hausmann – Nursing
• 1982 – Mrs. Jean S. Falls – Nursing
• 1983 – Dr. Samuel E. Longmire – English
• 1984 – Dr. Michael A. Zimmer – Economics
• 1985 – Dr. Karen J. Ott – Biology
• 1986 – Dr. Benny R. Riley – Physics
• 1987 – Dr. David E. Wright – Music
• 1988 – Mr. Leslie Miley, Jr. – Art
• 1989 – Dr. John W. Haegert – English
• 1990 – Dr. Donald P. Richardson – English
• 1991 – Dr. Larry W. Caldwell – English
• 1992 – Dr. Daniel J. Gahan – History
• 1993 – Dr. William Hemminger – English
• 1994 – Dr. William Connolly – Philosophy
• 1995 – Ms. Carol Dallinger – Music
• 1996 – Dr. Walayet A. Khan – Finance
• 1997 – Mr. Laurence R. Steenberg – Business
• 1998 – Dr. Brian J. Swenty – Engineering
• 1999 – Dr. Jerry Seng – Biology
• 2000 – Dr. David Dwyer – Mathematics
• 2001 – Dr. Douglas Stamps '79 – Engineering
• 2002 – Dr. Patrick Thomas – Archaeology
• 2003 – Dr. Mark Valenzuela – Civil Engineering
• 2004 – Mrs. Amy McBride-Martin – Education
• 2005 – Mr. Rob Griffith – English
• 2006 – Dr. Edward Bujak – History (Harlaxton)
• 2007 – Dr. Dianne Oliver – Religion
• 2008 – Dr. William Stroube – Healthcare Administration
• 2009 – Dr. James MacLeod – History
• 2010 – Mr. Jeff Tilley – Exercise Science
• 2011 – Dr. James Berry – Anthropology
• 2012 – Dr. Mari Plikuhn – Sociology
• 2013 – Dr. Mark Valenzuela – Civil Engineering
• 2014 – Dr. Jennie Ebeling – Archaeology
• 2015 – Dr. Margaret Stevenson – Psychology
• 2016 – Dr. Kevin Gray – Sociology & Criminal Justice
• 2017 – Dr. Mary Ellen Wylie – Music
• 2018 – Dr. Anthony Beavers – Philosophy
• 2019 – Dr. Atefeh Yazdanparast Ardestani – Marketing
• 2020 – Dr. Mike Roscoe – Physician Assistant Science
• 2021 – Dr. Julie Merkle – Biology
• 2022 – Dr. Katie Whetstone – Physical Therapy
• 2023 – Dr. James Ware – Classical Studies & Religion
• 2024 – Dr. Diana Rodriguez Quevedo – Languages and Cultures
• 2025 – Dr. Mike Slade – Chemistry

The Outstanding Teacher Award was sponsored by the UE Alumni Association from 1968-2021.