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Academics
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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.

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.

Year
Recipient  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:

Year
Recipient
Department
2023 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
2006
Associate Professor Michael P. Schultz Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
2005
Professor Karen E. Thierfelder Economics
2004
Professor Michael E. Hoffman Mathematics
2003
Professor Richard P. Abels History
2002
Professor Geoffrey L. Price Mathematics
2001
Professor Thomas E. Brennan History
2000
Associate Professor Judith A. Harrison Chemistry
1999
Professor John M. Hill English
1998
Professor Craig L. Symonds History
1997
Associate Professor Mark L. Campbell Chemistry
1996
Associate Professor Raouf Raouf Mechanical Engineering
1995
Professor Roger Compton Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
1994
Associate Professor Bruce E. Fleming English
1993
Professor James A. Joyce Mechanical Engineering
1992
Professor Mark L. Elert Chemistry
1991
Professor Chih Wu Mechanical Engineering
1990
Associate Professor Eva L. Corredor Language Studies
1989
Professor Peter A. McCoy Mathematics
1988
Professor John J. Fontanella and
Professor Mary C. Wintersgill
Physics
1987
Professor 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
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