English professor emeritus Kris Lackey and biological sciences instructor Lura Williamson are the recipients of the 2011 University of New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Awards. These awards honor educators whose exceptional teaching abilities have impacted the lives of UNO students.
Lackey taught English at UNO in the College of Liberal Arts for 25 years before retiring this year, while Williamson has spent 11 years in the College of Sciences. Her teaching and research interests include biology, immunology and vertebrate physiology. She was also the recipient of the 2010 College of Sciences Undergraduate Teaching Award.
The two honorees will receive a plaque and a $1,000 award. They will be recognized at the UNO International Alumni Association General Assembly and Distinguished Alumni Brunch on July 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the Geoghegan Ballroom of the Homer L. Hitt Alumni & Visitors Center.
Each department may submit only one nominee for the Excellence in Teaching Awards. The nominees must have taught at UNO for a minimum of eight years. Each year’s honorees are selected by a committee made up of faculty and students from each of the colleges. The committee bases its decision on student and peer evaluations, and letters demonstrating excellence in teaching.