The Students’ Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes a faculty member who commits time outside of the classroom to prevent students from falling through the cracks, demonstrates an enthusiasm for the subject matter, and instills enthusiasm and passion in students.
John Lynch, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science
Dr. John Lynch is recognized by students for his unwavering commitment to their success and his ability to spark genuine enthusiasm for learning. Known for his engaging and approachable teaching style, Lynch creates a classroom environment where complex concepts become accessible and meaningful. Students note that he not only ensures understanding but also deepens comprehension through thoughtfully designed assignments and hands-on learning.
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A passionate educator, Lynch brings energy and authenticity to every class session. His love for teaching is especially evident in his favorite electronics lab courses, where he enjoys seeing students actively apply concepts in hands-on settings. He begins each class by reinforcing prior material, building a strong foundation that allows students to confidently tackle new challenges.
Beyond the classroom, Lynch is deeply invested in student success. He is readily available, responsive, and attentive, taking time to answer questions and adapt his approach to meet student needs. His willingness to listen and adjust fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged.
As he retires this semester, Lynch leaves a lasting legacy of excellence, mentorship, and inspiration that will continue to impact students for years to come.
Past award recipients
| Academic Year | Recipient(s) |
| 2024 – 2025 | Praveen Sekhar |
| 2023 – 2024 | Debra Wilmington |
| 2022 – 2023 | Gunjan Gakhar |
| 2021 – 2022 | Carol Siegel |
| 2020 – 2021 | Dene Grigar |
| 2019 – 2020 | Andra Chastain |
| 2018 – 2019 | Hua Tan |
| 2017 – 2018 | Dale Fortin |
| 2016 – 2017 | Enrique Brouwer |
| 2015 – 2016 | Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens |
| 2014 – 2015 | Tom Tripp |
| 2013 – 2014 | Dene Grigar |
| 2012 – 2013 | Ron Pimentel |
| 2011 – 2012 | Wei Xue |
| 2010 – 2011 | Maria Lee-Lopez |
| 2009 – 2010 | Pavithra Narayanan |
| 2008 – 2009 | Dawn Banker |
| 2007 – 2008 | Marcelo Diversi |
| 2006 – 2007 | Mark Stephan |
| 2005 – 2006 | Christopher Plouffe |
| 2004 – 2005 | Paul Thiers |
| 2003 – 2004 | Kandy Robertson |
| 2002 – 2003 | Suzanne Smith |
| 2001 – 2002 | Melissa Gruys |
| 2000 – 2001 | Jackie McReynolds |
| 1999 – 2000 | Tom Tripp |
| 1998 – 1999 | Lori Irving |
| 1997 – 1998 | Carolyn Long |
| 1996 – 1997 | Mike Morgan |
| 1995 – 1996 | Claire Latham, Lori Irving |
| 1994 – 1995 | Corlene Ankrum |
| 1993 – 1994 | Jerry Goodstein |
| 1992 – 1993 | Randy Kleinhesselink |
| 1991 – 1992 | Charles “Cap” Peck |
| 1990 – 1991 | Georgie Weatherby |