Jerry G. Gaff Faculty Awards
Since 2002, the AGLS has given one Gaff award each year to recognize faculty who have demonstrated leadership on their campuses, shown evidence of outstanding teaching in general and liberal education courses, and have a record of achievement in curriculum development, innovation, or implementation. In 2017, the AGLS board voted to develop two categories for the Gaff award to celebrate the distinctive roles essential for strong programs and encourage the next generation of leaders in general and liberal studies.
There are two categories that a nominator may select from to honor a gen ed champion on their campus. Note: A candidate may be nominated for both categories, however in differing years. The categories will alternate years–emerging campus leader in even years and outstanding teacher in odd years.
1. Emerging Campus Leader is a full-time, instructional faculty who has demonstrated significant
campus-wide leadership specifically in the areas of general education and liberal studies curriculum reform, revision, implementation, assessment, or administration.
2. Outstanding Teacher is a full-time, instructional faculty who has a significant record of outstanding teaching and/or course development specifically in general education programs, core curricula, or liberal studies.
In 2024, we will be honoring a gen ed champion who is an EMERGING CAMPUS LEADER.
2023 Outstanding Teacher Recipient
Karen Palmer, Yavapai College
Professor of English
Chair, General Education
Dr. Meg Mulrooney (left) presents Dr. Palmer (right) her award
In 2024, we will be honoring a gen ed champion who is an EMERGING CAMPUS LEADER.
The deadline for nominations for the 2024 awards is May 22.
The recipient will be notified by July 15.
The award(s) will be presented at the October Portland Constitute.
Read more about Dr. Gaff HERE.
Nomination Guideline NOW AVAILABLE
Submit Nominations to execdir@agls.org.
Jerry G. Gaff Faculty Awards for General and Liberal Studies
These awards honor Jerry G. Gaff, respected member of the AGLS, retired Senior Scholar at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), and influential advocate for faculty leadership of general and liberal education. Gaff, who received a Ph.D. in psychology from Syracuse University, served on the faculties of five institutions and was dean of the College of Liberal Arts and acting president at Hamline University. He also served as Vice President of AAC&U and directed its Preparing Future Faculty Program. He has authored numerous influential books including Strong Foundations: Twelve Principles of Effective General Education Programs, Toward Faculty Renewal, General Education Today, New Life for the College Curriculum, and Handbook of the Undergraduate Curriculum.
Previous Recipients of the Jerry G. Gaff Faculty Award for Excellence in General and Liberal Education
2023 Karen Palmer, Yavapai College
2022 Keith Gamble, Middle Tennessee State University (Emerging Leader)
2021 Ozzie Abaye, Virginia Tech (Outstanding Teacher) and Erin Clair, Arkansas Tech
University (Emerging Leader)
2020 Amy Pope, Clemson University (Outstanding Teacher)
2019 Pamela DeCius, Saint Leo University (Emerging Leader)
2018 no award given
2017 Julia ‘Cory’ Lock, St. Edward’s University
2016 Larry R. Peterson, North Dakota State University
2015 Margaret Oakes, Furman University
2014 no award given
2013 Amy Stackhouse, Iona College
2012 Norm Jones, Utah State University
2011 Joan Hawthorne, University of North Dakota
2010 David Gowler, Oxford College of Emory University
2009 Margaret Martin, Eastern Connecticut State University, and Daniel Silvermintz,
University of Houston, Clear Lake
2008 no award given
2007 no award given
2006 no award given
2005 Edward Katz, University of North Carolina at Asheville
2004 no award given
2003 Tony Edmonds, Ball State University, and John Habel, Western Carolina University,
Cullowhee
2002 Mary Dickerson, Broome Community College, Fred Albertson, University of Memphis,
and Gail Schiffer, Kennesaw State University
This page updated January 10, 2024