Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award

The Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award

This award is presented annually to one faculty member (active or retired) who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. It recognizes those faculty whose service to students goes beyond the classroom and who have distinguished themselves as extraordinary mentors and advisors.

Previous Recipients

2011

Brenda Hopper
Teaching Fellows Program Director

The Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award was given to Brenda Hopper, director of the UNC Asheville Teaching Fellows program. Hopper was recognized for her genuine care and concern for her students’ professional and personal wellbeing, and for her exemplary service as a mentor and advisor.

2010

Dan Pierce
Associate Professor of History

The Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award was given to Dan Pierce, associate professor of History. Pierce is a noted national expert on the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and NASCAR. The Asheville native is the author of the popular books "The Great Smokies: From Natural Habitat to National Park" and "Real NASCAR: White Lightning, Red Clay and Big Bill France."

2009

Dolly Jenkins Mullen
Associate Professor of Political Science

Dolly Jenkins Mullen, who joined the faculty in 1984, has established an outstanding reputation as a professor who cares deeply about her students. She spends many hours outside the classroom meeting with students to guide their coursework, as well as lending an ear to those struggling with personal problems.

2008

Sarah Judson
Professor of History

Sarah Judson joined the History faculty in the Fall of 1997. In the decade that has followed, she has established an outstanding reputation as a faculty member who cares deeply for her students. A great teacher, she also gives generously of her time out of class and is especially known for her kindness in helping students with their senior thesis. Many graduates credit their career path to Sarah's mentorship.

2006

Richard Maas
Professor of Environmental Science

posthumously

The University presented the Distinguished Faculty Award posthumously to Environmental Studies Professor Richard P. Maas. He died last December, following a brief illness. Maas, who joined the faculty in 1987, was a visionary scientist, inspirational teacher and one of the country’s leading water quality researchers. Maas was a founder and co-director of UNC Asheville’s Environmental Quality Institute, which serves as a national center for environmental research. Maas was also active in the community. He helped found the Volunteer Water Information Network and the Clean Air Community Trust, and served on numerous local boards.

2005

Merritt Moseley
Professor of Literature

The Distinguished Faculty Award was presented to Merritt Moseley. Moseley, who joined the UNC Asheville faculty in 1978, is professor of literature and language. He has published books on David Lodge, Kingsley Amis and Julian Barnes and serves as the editor of the “Dictionary of Literary Biography” volumes on British novelists since 1960. Moseley holds a doctorate from UNC Chapel Hill.