Faculty Advancing Kentucky Through Teaching and Research

Dear Colleagues,

One of the greatest privileges of my role is to highlight the work and accomplishments of UK’s faculty. On Tuesday, I was honored to introduce this year’s Great Teachers at the annual awards dinner prior to their recognition on court at Rupp Arena. 

I am deeply proud to work alongside a faculty body whose membership is composed of prolific researchers, committed teachers and empathetic health care professionals. The Great Teacher Awards dinner allowed us to recognize the exceptional individuals who are dedicated to preparing our students to excel in their future lives and careers.

This year’s Great Teachers are Dr. Sahar Alameh and Dr. Channon Horn (College of Education); Dr. Gosia Chwatko, Dr. Isabel Escobar and Douglas Klein (Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering); and Dr. Matthew Kim (College of Arts and Sciences).

The SEC Faculty Achievement Award is another way UK honors and recognizes a faculty member who represents dedication to academic excellence and scholarship in pursuit of the university’s mission to advance Kentucky. Each year, one faculty member is selected from each SEC school, and of that group, one faculty member is announced as the SEC Professor of the Year.

This year, we recognize Dr. Rick Honaker, professor in the Department of Mining Engineering, as UK’s SEC Faculty Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Honaker is a pioneer and leader in his field, having published groundbreaking research on critical mineral extraction from coal and coal byproducts. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Honaker and our Great Teachers on these momentous achievements. They truly embody our mission of advancing Kentucky in everything we do — their revolutionary scholarship and commitment to our students are helping UK prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose outside the university. 

As I mentioned at the Great Teacher Awards dinner, our students are our future. And you, as all great faculty do, are helping them rise. 

Thank you for your commitment to our mission to building a more prosperous Commonwealth for all. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost