The Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize faculty for excellent instruction. They memorialize Robert H. and Ruth M. Kroepsch and her parents, Walter C. and Mary L. Maurice. Robert H. Kroepsch served as Registrar and Dean of Administration at UVM from 1946-56. Ruth Kroepsch graduated from UVM in 1938 and her father, Walter Maurice, graduated from UVM in 1909. All four were teachers. The Kroepsch-Maurice Awards are administered under the authority of the Office of the Provost in support of academic excellence in teaching and learning.
The Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize faculty members for their excellence in teaching undergraduate courses, including creating an environment conducive to and encouraging learning. Every year, nominated faculty in each of the four faculty ranks (Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor) are eligible for this honor.
The AY 2025-2026 award recipients are:
Associate Professor Angeline Chiu
Associate Professor Angeline Chiu, School of World Languages and Cultures, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Chiu brings enthusiasm for Latin language and culture to her teaching, incorporating field trips, reading journals, and creative projects tailored to students’ interests. Her classes are energetic, inclusive, and encourage student engagement. Clear syllabi set academic and professional expectations, and Dr. Chiu fosters fairness and generosity without compromising standards. She regularly checks in with students, provides guidance for goal setting, and empowers students to take responsibility for their education while remaining supportive.
Assistant Professor Alexander Clayton
Assistant Professor Alexander Clayton, Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Clayton is praised for exceptional student support, fostering collaborative learning, and facilitating student-led discussions even in large classes. He encourages creative approaches to structuring discussions and integrates inquiry-based methods, public-facing assignments, and diverse scholarly perspectives—including critical race theory, gender and sexuality studies, and disability studies. Dr. Clayton creates an inclusive classroom culture where every student participates, offers weekly reading summaries to support all learners, and allows students to demonstrate understanding through multiple mediums such as digital exhibits.
Senior Lecturer Keith Epstein
Senior Lecturer Keith Epstein, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Senior Lecturer Epstein serves as Senior Experience in Engineering Design (SEED) Program Director. His teaching combines rigorous, practice-based learning with exemplary mentorship, primarily in ME 4010/EE 4100 Capstone Design I and ME 4020/EE 4200 Capstone Design II, each enrolling about 100 students. Epstein cultivates real-world clients who pitch projects to students, forms teams based on interests, and guides them through year-long collaborative projects. He encourages student-driven syllabus policies, supports open communication, fosters conflict resolution and community-building, emphasizes growth mindset and unique skills, scaffolds goal setting, and uses flexible rubrics. His courses culminate in a public showcase of student projects.
Eligibility/Criteria
All full-time UVM faculty members engaged in teaching undergraduate courses, with the exception of previous award winners, are eligible for the award. Criteria include the following:
- Nominees must teach undergraduate courses in order to be eligible;
- Curriculum & Instruction;
- Curriculum: Designs innovative teaching methods and/or develops curriculum that challenges and inspires students.
- Instruction: Engages students in active, meaningful learning activities.
- Learning Environment;
- Course Structure: Establishes course policies and structures that are supportive of and conducive to student learning.
- Classroom Culture: Cultivates a classroom culture centered on trust, collaboration, and openness.
- Commitment to Advancing Diversity & Inclusion; and
- Cultural Responsiveness: Integrates students’ diverse experiences and perspectives into the learning experience fostering inclusivity and relevance.
- Accessibility: Adapts instruction and materials to be accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, creating equitable learning opportunities.
- Our Common Ground for Lifelong Learning
- Creates a learning community that values respect, integrity, innovation, openness, justice, and responsibility.
Nomination Process
Faculty, staff and students may nominate faculty members for The Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Nomination material should be submitted with the "The Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Awards Nomination" as the file name no later than 11:59 PM on February 1st (if this date falls on a weekend, the due date is the following Monday).
Award Committee
The Committee is made up of faculty members representing degree granting colleges or schools and former award recipients. The Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs appoints the Chair of the Committee and its members. The Committee recommends candidates for the award to the Provost. The Provost makes the final decision regarding award recipients.
Award Review Committee 2024-2028
Review Committee Chair: Carmen Petrick Smith, Associate Professor, Department of Education, College of Education & Social Services (2024-2027)
Review Committee Members:
- Anthony (Tony) D'Amato, Professor, Director of Forestry Program, Director of UVM Research Forests, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (2025-2028)
- Lisa Dion, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (2025-2028)
- Deborah Hinchey, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomedical & Health Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Sciences (2025-2028)
- Lisa Holmes, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences (2025-2028)
- Akshay Mutha, Associate Professor, Grossman School of Business (2025-2028)
- Todd Pritchard, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (2025-2028)
- Cynthia Reyes, Professor, Department of Education; Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs, College of Education & Social Services (2025-2028)
- Richard Single, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (2025-2028)
- Rebecca Wilcox, Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine; Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Larner College of Medicine (2025-2028)
- Holly Buckland Parker, Educational Developer & Graduate Teaching Program Coordinator, Center for Teaching and Learning: Ex-Officio Non-Voting member
Selection Timeline
- December 1, annually: Call for nominations opens.
- February 1, annually: Nominations due. *(if February 1st falls on a weekend, the due date is the following Monday)
- February 1 - March 30: Nomination Reviewed by Awards Committee.
- April 1: Awards Committee submits list of finalists to the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Dr. Jane Okech at Jokech@uvm.edu. Copy submissions to Faith Schumacher at Faith.Schumacher@uvm.edu.
- May 1: The Provost announces award recipients.
For more information, please contact Faith Schumacher at Faith.Schumacher@uvm.edu