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. Each year, one faculty member in each of the four faculty ranks (Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor) receives this honor.
The AY 2024-2025 award recipients are:
Lecturer Nicole L. Breslend, Ph.D.
Lecturer Nicole L. Breslend, Ph.D., Department of Psychological Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Nicole Breslend’s research uses a multilevel approach to understanding peer victimization and aggression, including consideration of family context, peer relationships, individual behavior, and biobehavioral processes. Dr. Breslend conducts and develops research related to effective parenting strategies for caregivers of strong-willed youth, child welfare evaluations, mental health agencies, and easy-to-access parenting resources.
Assistant Professor Kaitlin Northey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Kaitlin Northey, Ph.D., Department of Education, College of Education and Social Services
Kaitlin Northey’s research and teaching centers on advancing early childhood (EC) as a profession. Her courses aim to prepare students to become advocates and agents of change, with a clear understanding of early childhood research, societal spheres of influence in regard to children families, and educator identities, development, and well-being. Dr, Northey’s research demonstrates both nuanced and overt inequities can affect the workforce, thereby identifying opportunities for improving and strengthening systems and policies.
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 2023-2026
Review Committee Chair: Carmen Petrick Smith, Associate Professor, Department of Education, College of Education & Social Services
Review Committee Members:
- Clayton Cafiero, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences
- Anthony (Tony) D'Amato, Professor, Director of Forestry Program, Director of UVM Research Forests, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
- Lisa Dion, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
- Deborah Hinchey, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomedical & Health Sciences, College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- Todd Pritchard, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Cynthia Reyes, Professor, Department of Education; Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs, College of Education & Social Services
- Pramodita (Dita) Sharma, Professor, Schlesinger-Grossman Chair of Family Business, Grossman School of Business
- Richard Single, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
- Daniel (Dan) Tobin, Associate Professor, Department of Community Development & Applied Economics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Rebecca Wilcox, Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine; Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Larner College of Medicine
- 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 at Jokech@uvm.edu. Copy submissions to Jennifer Diaz (she/her) at Jennifer.Diaz@uvm.edu.
- May 1: The Provost announces award recipients.
For more information
Contact Jennifer Diaz (she/her) at Jennifer.Diaz@uvm.edu