Sean McGee honored with 2023 Robert Piacenza Excellence in Teaching Award

The UAF Honors College was delighted to announce Sean McGee, Director of the BSEM Program, as the 2023 Robert Piacenza Excellence in Teaching Award Winner on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

This award recognizes a UAF faculty member who has a significant impact on the academic advancement of students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This instructor not only demonstrates instructional expertise, but sets a standard for other educators on campus, advocates on behalf of students, and exemplifies the Honors College's core values of connection, experience, and service.

Student nominations for Sean McGee included the following statements:

“Sean is a critically underrated professor. On top of the theoretical expertise he has from his education, he also has years of experience in the field with which he teaches, Homeland Security and Emergency Management.”

“His commitment to his students and their education is absolute. He is willing to work with and advocate for his students and their needs above all else, even going out of his way to serve them outside of his contracted hours.”

“He exhibits all of the qualities of the Honors College through his commitment to meeting the educational needs of all of his students.”

Congratulations to Sean McGee and to all of the faculty nominees this year! Thank you to Honors Student Advisory Council Vice President, Leila Shubair, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, Anupma Prakash, and Vice Provost and Accreditation Liaison Officer, Alexandra Fitts, for delivering warm remarks on the importance of teaching at the Award Ceremony. Thank you to Honors Student Advisory Council Events Committee Chair, Emily Lipscomb, for coordinating the event.