Memorable and positive learning experiences give students the momentum they need to achieve their academic goals. David Conner, professor of Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE), is the 2021 recipient of the Carrigan Award for Excellence in Teaching and Undergraduate Education. The award, given annually by the UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, recognizes faculty who go above and beyond in undergraduate teaching and is the most prestigious faculty teaching award in the College.

Conner’s undergraduate teaching methods have received accolades from both students and colleagues alike. His academic research on the economics of sustainable food systems, on-the-ground agriculture and business experience, and ability to cultivate strong relationships with agricultural stakeholders give students a well-rounded view of how to use what they’ve learned outside of the classroom.

Kelly Hamshaw, a senior lecturer in CDAE, said that “David’s commitment to delivering high quality, well-organized service-learning experiences for his students in his CDAE 250: Applied Research Methods course is no easy feat considering the size of this course. His partnerships come from long-standing relationships with major stakeholders in Vermont’s agricultural and food systems landscape, and our students gain valuable connections as they consider navigating post-grad life.”

Conner has developed a strong relationship with UVM’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) over the years, which supports faculty, graduate student instructors, and teaching assistants in pursuing impactful teaching. Hamshaw, a faculty associate with CTL, observed that during Conner’s Fall 2020 CDAE 250 course, his students were given a service-learning project that investigated how faculty can build connection in remote teaching. “The students not only learned about applied research methods, but their work also informed CTL’s understanding of students’ and faculty members’ perspectives/experiences,” said Hamshaw.

Conner’s research focuses on the economics of agricultural sustainability, particularly at the local level, in areas such as supply-chain opportunities for local food systems, farm-to-institutions initiatives, consumption of locally grown foods and costs of food safety certification on Vermont produce farms. His courses and students benefit from his impactful research program and reflect on the local focus such as CDAE/FS 321: The Economics of Sustainable Food Systems, and CDAE 168: Marketing for Community Entrepreneurs.

Upon learning that Conner received the 2021 Carrigan award, colleagues affirmed his commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching. “He has such a caring way with the students. He is well organized, uses technology effectively, and seems to know his subject well. I like how he gave work (lectures and assessments) ahead of time so students could come to a live discussion class prepared to talk,” said Jenny Wilkinson, DVM, senior lecturer in the CALS Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department. Research Associate and Lecturer Victor Izzo from the Plant and Soil Sciences Department said, “He is just the type of educator that deserves the award."

Conner grew up in central Pennsylvania and began his agriculture and academic careers at The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Life Sciences. He was awarded a master’s degree in Extension Education from UVM and received his PhD in agricultural economics from Cornell University. Conner’s professional experience includes works as a sustainable agriculture Extension agent for the Peace Corps Sustainable Agriculture program in Senegal, West Africa, and later as a sustainable agriculture technical trainer for Peace Corps trainees in Thies, Senegal. He led farm crews on a Christmas and apple tree farm, consulted for the Rodale Institute, and held several research and teaching assistant positions before becoming an assistant, and now full professor. Conner’s list of publications is extensive and can be found on his UVM faculty profile page.

The Carrigan Award recognizes outstanding effort and achievement in undergraduate teaching, student advising, and undergraduate education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The recipient of this annual award has his/her name engraved on a commemorative plaque, receives a personal cash award of $2,000, as well as an additional $500 to support continued improvement and innovation in his/her teaching. The award is presented, and the recipient is formally recognized each year at the CALSX Faculty and Staff Retreat. View past recipients of the award here.