Six faculty members were recently announced as 2025 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer recipients.
The award annually recognizes a maximum of six lecturers or other associated faculty for their teaching excellence. Honorees are inducted into Ohio State's Academy of Teaching and recognized with an honorarium made possible by the Office of Academic Affairs. The honorees were notified of their awards through surprise announcements led by senior university leaders.
“I’m so proud of the recipients of the 2025 Provost's Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer,” said Ravi V. Bellamkonda, executive vice president and provost. “These instructors’ dedication to the success of our students shows their commitment to their disciplines and to inspiring new generations of practitioners.”
Bruce Austin Ackley
Lecturer
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
Bruce Austin Ackley is celebrated for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success. He has developed cutting-edge virtual lab activities and authored five iBooks on weed and plant identification. Ackley’s commitment to immersive, hands-on learning and use of real-world examples ensures his classes are engaging and impactful. He received the 2023-24 Distinguished Lecturer Award from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and has been named Department of Horticulture and Crop Science Instructor of the Year three times.
Kellen M. Calinger-Yoak
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
Kellen M. Calinger-Yoak is recognized for her exceptional dedication to students and innovative teaching methods. She creates an inclusive and engaging classroom environment, tailoring her teaching to accommodate diverse learning styles and emphasizing critical thinking. One of her key tools is TopHat, a dynamic courseware platform that enhances student engagement through interactive questions and discussions. Known for her genuine care and accessibility, Calinger-Yoak supports students both academically and personally. Her commitment to student success and inventive strategies have deeply impacted her students' academic and personal growth.
Jeffrey S. Johnston
Senior Lecturer
Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology
College of Pharmacy
With more than 20 years of experience, Jeffrey S. Johnston excels in making challenging subjects like physical pharmacy and pharmacokinetics accessible and engaging. He employs a flipped classroom approach and various active learning strategies to foster a dynamic learning environment. Known for his personalized feedback and genuine concern for students, Johnston ensures they master course content and feel supported. His innovative teaching methods and commitment to the well-being of learners have made a lasting impact on his students' academic journeys.
Lisa Nguyen
Lecturer
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
Lisa Nguyen is recognized for her dynamic and engaging teaching style, making challenging chemistry concepts accessible and enjoyable. She employs engaging demonstrations, relatable analogies and scaffolded practice problems to ensure student success. Nguyen's commitment to student support is evident through her extensive office hours, personalized progress reports and inclusive exam review sessions. Her innovative teaching methods and genuine care for students foster a positive learning environment, significantly impacting learners’ academic journeys.
Kristin Paulus
Senior Lecturer
Fashion and Retail Studies
College of Education and Human Ecology
Kristin Paulus is recognized for her exceptional dedication to teaching and student development. With more than 25 years of industry experience, she brings real-world insights into the classroom, making her courses engaging and relevant. Paulus creates a collaborative and welcoming environment, encouraging open discussions and diverse perspectives. Known for her accessibility and support, she offers extensive office hours and personalized guidance. Her leadership in student organizations, community partnerships and the creation of an internship at Hope's Boutique, a nonprofit retail operation catering to women with cancer, further enhances the educational experience, making a lasting impact on her students' academic and professional journeys.
Ruth M. Smith
Assistant Professor of Teaching
Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy
College of Arts and Sciences
Ruth M. Smith is recognized for creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, encouraging students to explore their unique perspectives and engaging in critical reflection. Smith's innovative assignments and personalized feedback foster a sense of community and collaboration among her students. Known for her accessibility and mentorship, she offers flexible office hours and continuous support. As the department’s director of digital learning advising, field experiences, and capstone projects, her commitment to student success has made a lasting impact on their academic and professional journeys.
This year’s Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer honorees and other 2025 faculty award winners will be recognized on April 25 during the annual Faculty Awards Celebration.
All lecturers, senior lecturers and other associated faculty on all campuses who have taught undergraduate and/or graduate/professional students in the past three years are eligible for this award. Students, faculty and staff may put forward nominees.