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Research and Creative Activities Previous Award Recipients

2024

Excellence in Undergraduate Research

Bibek Chand, Political Science & International Affairs

Jessy Patterson, Biology

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Katherine Rohrer, History

Previous Research and Creative Activities Award Recipients

2023

Excellence in Undergraduate Research

Ralph Hale, Philosophy

2022

Excellence in Undergraduate Research

Katayoun Mobasher, IESA

2021

Distinguished Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Michael Rifenburg, English

Excellence in Undergraduate Research

Efren Velazquez, Psychological Science

Bryanna Quarles, Chemistry

2020

Distinguished Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Caroline Munoz, Marketing

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Esther Morgan-Ellis, Music

Excellence in Undergraduate Research

Shelley Aikman, Psychological Science

Esther Morgan-Ellis, Music

Michael Rifenburg, English

2019

2019 Distinguished Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Yi Deng, History

2019 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award

Dr. Greg Feiden, Astronomy

2018

2018 Distinguished Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Renee Bricker, History

2018 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award

Swapna Bhat, Biology

William Balco, Anthropology

2018 Honorable Mention-Excellence in Undergraduate Research

Esther Morgan-Ellis, Music

Ping Ye, Mathematics

2018 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Tamirat Abegaz, Computer Science

Sanghee Choi, Teacher Education

Anastasia Lin, English

2017

2017 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award

Gina Reed, Mathematics

2017 Distinguished Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Dr. Laura NG, English

2017 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Renee Bricker, History, Anthropology, and Philosophy

Michael Proulx, Ph.D., History, Anthropology, and Philosophy

2016

2016 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award

Erin Barding, Biology

Margaret Smith, Ph.D., Biology

Sudhanshu Panda, IESA

2015

2015 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Renee Bricker, History, Anthropology, and Philosophy

Dr. Michael Rifenburg, English

2013

2013 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award

Bryan Dawson, Psychological Science

Jeanealle Morgan, Biology

Anastasia Lin, Honorable Mention, English

Statement on concerns about textbook

Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity. The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.

In today’s world, misunderstandings can travel quickly. But our foundation at the University of North Georgia remains steady. We respect people of all beliefs. We reject hate. And we are committed to preparing students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.

Education is not about avoiding difficult words or ideas — it is about teaching students to navigate them with context, discernment, and respect. The world is complex, and we are developing students to lead in both these times and what lies ahead. That is what this course, and this university, are about.

We also recognize that learning and scholarship sometimes touch on sensitive, complex, or controversial ideas. That is not a weakness of higher education — it is its strength. Our responsibility is to provide the context, freedom, and support that allow both students and faculty to engage with these ideas thoughtfully. Academic freedom allows us to remain true to our values: protecting freedoms, honoring all beliefs, rejecting hate in every form, and preparing leaders who can meet a complex world with courage and integrity.

While one line in a textbook can get lost in translation, our values have never wavered. For 152 years, the University of North Georgia remains committed to building leaders through debate, dialogue, and learning. That is who we are. And that is what we will continue to do.