Dr. Sarah Kuck has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award for online teaching for the University System of Georgia. There were many outstanding nomination portfolios this year and each was thoroughly reviewed by a panel of faculty and administrators from across the University System. When the review committee met to discuss the nominations and finalize their recommendations, they voted unanimously to recommend Dr. Kuck as this year’s winner.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the legacy of winners for this award,” says Dr. Sarah Kuck, Darton State College Associate Professor of Political Science and Online Instructor.

Created in 1996, The Regents’ Awards program recognizes the finest among the University System of Georgia’s full-time instructional faculty for their demonstrated educational excellence in teaching, online teaching and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Award recipients have had records of exceptional teaching and a strong commitment to impacting student learning, ultimately fostering the academic success of students.

The award committee will look for persuasive evidence that nominees:

• Are strongly committed to quality online teaching and learning, as evidenced by teaching and scholarly activities designed to advance the quality of online teaching and learning;

• Use effective and innovative online teaching practices that result in student engagement, student satisfaction and effectiveness in achieving desired learning outcomes;

• Demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to fostering the academic success of online students through the development of rapport with individual learners in and beyond the virtual classroom.

“Going through the process of nomination was enlightening,” says Kuck. “A lot of the material that needed to be submitted related, of course, to student evaluations, satisfaction, success of the students, and more. To see the impact and support from my students was amazing. I really believe that this award demonstrates the commitment and support of my colleagues.  I work with a very dedicated group of professionals that put students first- from the Director of Online Learning to my Department Chair, so I certainly share this award with my institution.”

The committee was particularly impressed with Dr. Kuck’s commitment to the overall University System of Georgia mission and her involvement with system-level and collaborative effort initiatives. Her willingness to explore a variety of modalities and apply innovative teaching and learning solutions in the online environment also stood out to the committee.