Spring 2009

Distinguished Teaching Professorships

Deborah Parker, NEH Distinguished Teaching Professor
In 1994 the Teaching Resource Center won a Special Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant, together with gifts secured by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, enabled the creation of three rotating U.Va. NEH Distinguished Teaching Professorships (DTPs). Each endowed chair, awarded to an associate or full professor for a three-year period, recognizes excellent undergraduate teaching in the humanities. This year’s award went to Deborah Parker, the Daniels Family Distinguished Teaching Professor of Italian. See the profile of Deborah on UVA Today.

Those interested in more information about the Chair’s duties can contact TRC Director Marva Barnett. Questions about the nomination and selection process should be directed to Bruce Holsinger, Associate Dean for Humanities and the Arts, bh9n@virginia.edu.

Trenton Merricks, Cavaliers’ Distinguished Teaching Professor
The Cavaliers’ Distinguished Teaching Professorship was established in 1991 to recognize an eminent scholar for outstanding teaching of undergraduates. In addition to receiving a summer salary, Cavaliers’ DTPs teach University Seminars (USEM) and work with the Teaching Resource Center to promote the general enhancement of teaching at the University. This year’s award went to Trenton Merricks of the Department of Philosophy. See the profile of Trenton on UVA Today.

Photo credit: UVa Today