Faculty Awards
Faculty members at USNA are expected to be excellent teachers and scholars, while also demonstrating meaningful service to the institution and beyond. USNA is proud to recognize those faculty who distinguish themselves by going above and beyond our already high expectations. Included here are descriptions of our yard-wide awards along with the names of past award recipients.
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The Class of 1951 Civilian Faculty Teaching Excellence Award in honor of Professor Theodore J. Benac
The Class of 1951 Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, given in honor of Professor Theodore J. Benac
The Class of 1951 Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, given in honor of Professor Theodore J. Benac, is presented annually to the civilian faculty member at the Naval Academy who has exhibited continued excellence in teaching and sustained contributions to the intellectual development of midshipmen. The award consists of two plaques, one awarded to the individual and one placed on permanent display at the Naval Academy. Accompanying each award is a cash prize provided through an endowment by the USNA Class of 1951.
In 1998, this award was renamed in honor of Theodore J. Benac, an ebullient individual with an infectious laugh and a great love for mathematics and the midshipmen he taught. Dr. Benac received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Yale University in 1941 where he studied algebra under Oystein Ore. He taught at the Naval Academy from 1 July 1941 until his death on 9 November 1997, an incredible span of 56 years. Dr. Benac served as Mathematics Department Chairman from 1976 to 1982. In 1989, he was named the outstanding Teacher at the Naval Academy. The following year, Dr. Benac was named the outstanding Teacher in the state of Maryland. Dr. Benac served as Grand Marshall for the Academic Procession at all Naval Academy graduations from 1972 until 1997.
Each year, the recipient of this award demonstrated the abilities to inspire midshipmen to high levels of academic accomplishment and to improve the level of classroom instruction at the Naval Academy.
Past award recipients include:
Year Recipient Department 2023 Associate Professor Alexandros Alevras Mathematics 2022 Associate Professor Gavin W. Taylor Compter Science 2021 Associate Professor David S. Miklosovic Aerospace Engineering 2020 Associate Professor Amy H. MacArthur Chemistry 2019 Professor Christy L. Stanlake English 2018 Professor Vrej A. Zarikian Mathematics 2017 Professor Robert J. Niewoehner, Jr. Aerospace Engineering 2016 Associate Professor Patrick A. Caton Mechanical Engineering 2016 Professor Christine L. Copper Chemistry 2015 Professor Joe Urban Chemistry 2014 Professor Samara Firebaugh Electrical and Computer Engineering 2013 Professor Elsa M. Bennett Languages and Cultures 2012 Associate Professor Paul H. Miller Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2011 Professor Maria J. Schroeder Chemistry 2010 Associate Professor Michael P. Schultz Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2009 Associate Professor David R. Smith Oceanography 2008 Associate Professor Bradley E. Bishop Weapons and Systems Engineering 2007 Professor Sylvain Guarda Language Studies 2006 Professor Clementine G. K. Fujimura Language Studies 2005 Professor Phyllis Culham History 2004 Professor David L. Kriebel Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2003 Professor George Nakos Mathematics 2002 Professor Nancy W. Ellenberger History 2001 Professor Neil Berman English 2000 Professor Robert N. Shelby Physics 1999 Professor E. Eugene Mitchell, Jr. Weapons and Systems Engineering 1998 Professor Carol G. Crawford Mathematics 1997 Professor Larry V. Thompson History 1996 Professor David A. White English 1995 Professor Boyd A. Waite Chemistry 1994 Professor John D. Yarbro Language Studies 1993 Professor Edward Koubek Chemistry 1992 Professor Molly B. Tinsley English 1991 Professor Richard P. Abels History 1990 Professor Stephen E. Frantzich Political Science 1989 Professor Theodore J. Benac Mathematics 1988 Professor Craig L. Symonds History 1987 Professor Peter F. Wiggins Naval Systems Engineering -
Military Professor Teaching Excellence Award
This biennial award recognizes one military faculty member at the Naval Academy whose contributions to the academic, professional, and moral development of Midshipmen reflect the highest principles of excellence in education.
YearRecipient Department 2022 CDR David P. Durkin Chemistry 2020 CAPT David Ruth, USN Mathematics 2018 LCDR Ethan Lust, USN Mechanical Engineering 2016 CAPT Jeff Macris, USN History 2014 CAPT Mark Larabee, USN English -
The Class of 1951 Faculty Research Excellence Award
Class of 1951 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Research is presented annually to the faculty member at the Naval Academy who has exhibited the highest quality continued scholarly achievement through research. The award consists of two plaques, one awarded to the individual and one placed on permanent display at the Naval Academy. Accompanying each award is a cash prize provided by the Endowment from USNA Class of 1951.
Each year, the recipient of this award produced significant results through original research and publication. The results of this research have furthered the accomplishments of the Naval Academy's mission by assisting the intellectual development of midshipmen and, additionally, have significantly increased the fund of knowledge in his or her field of scholarship.
Past award recipients include:
YearRecipientDepartment2023 Professor Christopher W. Morgan Physics 2022 Professor Sharika D. Crawford History 2021 Professor Sommer E. Gentry Mathematics 2020 Associate Professor Nathanel W. Chambers Computer Science 2019 Associate Professor Rajratan Basu Physics 2018 Associate Professor Bradford S. Barrett Oceanography 2017 Professor Dianne Luning-Prak Chemistry 2016 Associate Professor David Fredriksson Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2015 Professor Joel Esposito Weapons and Systems Engineering 2014 Professor John Beckman English 2013 Professor Karen A. Flack Mechanical Engineering 2012 Professor Daniel W. O'Sullivan Chemistry 2011 Associate Professor Paul Trulove Chemistry 2010 Professor Deborah A. Konkowski Mathematics 2009 Professor Maochun Miles Yu History 2008 Professor Ralph J. Volino Mechanical Engineering 2007
Professor W. David Joyner Mathematics 2006Associate Professor Michael P. Schultz Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2005Professor Karen E. Thierfelder Economics 2004Professor Michael E. Hoffman Mathematics 2003Professor Richard P. Abels History 2002Professor Geoffrey L. Price Mathematics 2001Professor Thomas E. Brennan History 2000Associate Professor Judith A. Harrison Chemistry 1999Professor John M. Hill English 1998Professor Craig L. Symonds History 1997Associate Professor Mark L. Campbell Chemistry 1996Associate Professor Raouf Raouf Mechanical Engineering 1995Professor Roger Compton Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering 1994Associate Professor Bruce E. Fleming English 1993Professor James A. Joyce Mechanical Engineering 1992Professor Mark L. Elert Chemistry 1991Professor Chih Wu Mechanical Engineering 1990Associate Professor Eva L. Corredor Language Studies 1989Professor Peter A. McCoy Mathematics 1988Professor John J. Fontanella and
Professor Mary C. WintersgillPhysics 1987Professor Michael E. McCormick Naval Systems Engineering -
Superintendent's Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Service
Superintendent's Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Service
The Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Service is presented annually to the civilian faculty member at the Naval Academy who has exhibited the highest degrees of continued service through involvement in administrative and Brigade-support activities which advance and enhance the mission of the Naval Academy. The award consists of two plaques, one awarded to the individual and one placed on permanent display at the Naval Academy. Accompanying each award is a cash prize provided by the USNA Alumni Association.
Each year, the recipient of this award enhanced the mission of the Naval Academy through extraordinary Yard-wide, divisional or departmental service.
Past award recipients include:
Year Recipient Department 2023 Professor Katherine A. Smith Economics 2022 Professor Maria J Schroeder Chemistry 2021 Professor Clementine G. Fujimura Languages and Cultures 2020 Professor Peter L. Guth Oceanography 2019 Professor Ernest S. Tucker History 2018 Professor Eloise F. Malone Political Science 2017 Professor Steven M. Miner Mechanical Engineering 2016 Professor Mark L. Elert Chemistry 2015 Professor Charles Hanna Mathematics 2014 Professor Nancy Ellenberger History 2013 Professor Angela L. Moran Mechanical Engineering 2012 Professor Anne Marie Drew English 2011 Professor Gale A. Mattox Political Science 2010 Professor David P. Peeler History 2009 Professor Mark D. Meyerson Mathematics 2008 Professor Richard P. Abels History 2007 Professor Patrick J. Moran Mechanical Engineering 2006 Professor Gregory J. White Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 2005 Professor J. Eric Fredland Economics 2004 Professor Kay G. Schulze Computer Science 2003 Professor Michael P. Parker English 2002 Professor Charles L. Cochran Political Science 2001 Professor Mary A. DeCredico History 2000 Professor James M. D'Archangelo Mathematics 1999 Professor Roger D. Little Economics 1998 Professor Bruce Johnson Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering 1997 Professor Charles J. Nolan, Jr. English 1996 Professor Fred M. Fetrow English 1995 Professor Philip W. Warken History -
The Class of 1951 Military Faculty Teaching Excellence Award and the William P. Clements Award for Excellence in Education
Class of 1951 Military Faculty Teaching Excellence Award and William P. Clements Award for Excellence in Education
The Clements Award is bestowed annually upon a military faculty member at the Naval Academy whose contributions to the academic, professional, and moral development of midshipmen reflect the highest principles of excellence in education. The award consists of a six-inch sterling silver medallion mounted in a wood and glass case. The medallion bears the likeness of Mr. William P. Clements, former Under Secretary of Defense, who had a special interest in improving the quality of education within the military services. The case also contains a metal Naval Academy Seal and a plate on which the recipient's name is inscribed. The name of each year's winner is also be inscribed on a large plaque permanently mounted in the lobby of the Nimitz Library. Accompanying each award is a cash prize provided through an endowment by the USNA Class of 1951.
Each year, the recipient of this award demonstrated the ability to inspire midshipmen to high levels of academic accomplishment, evidence of improvement of teaching materials and methods (such as development of new texts, courses, exercises, techniques of instruction or other classroom innovations, etc.), and involvement in the academic counseling of midshipmen.
Past award recipients include:
Year Recipient Department 2023 CDR Brian C. Earp Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering 2022 CAPT Erin E. Meehan, USN English 2021 LCDR Michael W. Major, USNR English 2020 Capt Andrew N. Hiller, USMC Leadership, Ethics, and Law 2019 CDR Benjamin F. Armstrong, USN History 2018 CDR Matthew D. Schell, USNR Mechanical Engineering 2017 CDR Bradford Baker, USN Mechanical Engineering 2016 CDR Kimberly A. Himmer, USN English 2016 CDR Davin J. O'Hora, USN History 2015 Maj Agur Adams, USMC Electrical and Computer Engineering 2014 CAPT Mark Larabee, USN English 2014 LCDR Barry Willhite, USNR Aerospace Engineering 2013 CAPT Owen G. Thorp, III, USN Weapons and Systems Engineering 2012 Capt Anthony G. Pollman, USMC Physics 2011 LCDR John Woods, USN Oceanography 2010 Capt Phillip M. Dobberfuhl, USAF Language Studies 2009 CDR Thomas L. Robertson, USN History 2008 LCDR Christopher W. Morgan, USNR Physics 2007 CDR Lloyd P. Brown, USN Mechanical Engineering 2006 CDR Leonard J. Hamilton, USN Mechanical Engineering 2005 LT Eric R. Welsh, USNR Chemistry 2004 LCDR Scott F. Granger, USNR History 2003 Maj Steven L. Cantrell, USMC Economics 2002 Capt Melonie A. Teichert, USAF Chemistry 2001 LCDR Joseph D. Skufca, USN Mathematics 2000 LCDR Eric P. Holmes, USN Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering 1999 LCDR Kevin A. Hays, USN Oceanography 1998 LCDR Charles A. Edmonsdon, USN Physics 1997 Maj Charles E. Locke, USMC Political Science 1996 LtCol Robert G. Baker, USMC History 1995 Maj David C. Fuquea, USMC History 1994 Capt James B. Seaton, III, USMC Political Science 1993 LT Gail M. Haberlin, CEC, USN Mechanical Engineering 1992 Capt Steven M. Zotti, USMC Political Science 1991 Maj John J. Spegele, USMC Computer Science 1990 Maj John R. Allen, USMC Political Science 1989 LCDR Thomas J. Cutler, USN History 1988 Capt John E. Kruse, Jr., USMC Political Science 1987 LT Andrew L. Benson, USN English 1986 Capt A. J. Athens, USMC Computer Science 1985 CDR C. A. Perkins, SC, USN Economics 1984 Capt J. C. Inglis, USAF Mechanical Engineering 1983 LT M. C. Tracy, USN Naval Systems Engineering 1982 LCDR L. J. Giannotti, USN Mathematics 1981 Maj D. A. Vetter, USMC Economics 1980 Maj M. L. Bartlett, USMC History 1979 LCDR J. A. Sears, USN Applied Science 1978 Maj W. A. Hesser, USMC Applied Science 1977 LCDR R. T. E. Bowler, III, USN Engineering and Technology (Ops Analysis) -
Apgar Award for Excellence in Teaching
Apgar Award for Excellence in Teaching
This award, established in 1996 by Mahlon Apgar, IV, and Anne Demarest Nelson Apgar, is intended to recognize, encourage and reward individual faculty members at the Naval Academy who have had a demonstrable impact on their students and/or who have made a significant contribution to the art of teaching and counseling students. Special emphasis is placed on instilling the values of character, responsibility and integrity of Naval and Marine Corps officers through their example and methods.
The Apgar Award recognizes military faculty who have taught at the Naval Academy for fewer than three years and untenured junior civilian faculty who are in tenure track positions and alternates annually between military and civilian recipients. The award consists of two plaques, one awarded to the individual and one placed on permanent display at the Naval Academy. Accompanying each award is a cash prize provided by Mr. and Mrs. Apgar.
Each year, the recipient of this award demonstrated:
- Effectiveness in teaching the qualities of leadership, with special emphasis on character, responsibility and integrity, through the academic environment, curriculum and mentoring roles outside the classroom.
- Performance in stimulating a love of learning and in motivating and enabling students to learn.
- Contributions in developing and applying innovative methods of teaching to achieve these aims.
- Commitment to develop and apply new teaching concepts and methods that expand students' horizons and their potential contributions as leaders and serving military officers.
- Commitment to new teaching pedagogy and development of skills among teaching peers.
Past award recipients include:
Year Recipient Department 2023 LT Mark Jessup Leadership, Ethics and Law 2022 Assistant Professor Melonie A. Teichert Chemistry 2021 Capt David Williams, USMC Political Science 2020 Assistant Professor Ines Martin Languages and Cultures 2019 LT Gregory J. Melville, USNR English 2018 Assistant Professor Ronald J. Warzoha Mechanical Engineering 2017 LCDR David J. Stira, USNR History 2016 Assistant Professor Daniel Roche Computer Science 2015 LT John Kadz, USN History 2014 Assistant Professor Sharika Crawford History 2013 Capt Aaron B. MacLean, USMC English 2012 Assistant Professor Daniel Isaac Chemistry 2011 LT Michael A. Zundel, USN Chemistry 2010 Assistant Professor Patrick A. Caton Mechanical Engineering 2009 LT Erin R. Wilfong, USN Chemistry 2008 Assistant Professor Jim S. Cowart Mechanical Engineering 2007 Capt Koichi Takagi, USMC Mathematics 2006 Assistant Professor Virginia F. Smith Chemistry 2005 Capt. Keith E. Gibeling, USAF History 2004 Assistant Professor Pamela M. Schmitt Economics 2003 Capt Maria J. Pallotta, USMC English 2002 Assistant Professor Douglas M. Brattebo Political Science 2001 LT Andrew M. Biehn, USN Seamanship and Navigation 2000 Assistant Professor Shannon E. French Leadership, Ethics and Law 1999 LT Marc D. Lucas, USN Mathematics 1998 Assistant Professor Joseph J. Urban Chemistry 1997 LT Kathy A. Atkission, JAGC, USN Leadership, Ethics and Law