Broward College has recognized six outstanding professors with its 2025-2026 Endowed Teaching Chair Awards, the highest academic honor the institution bestows on faculty members for excellence in teaching.
Each recipient will receive a one-year grant of $13,500, which includes an $8,500 honorarium and $5,000 for professional development and classroom projects.
Broward College President and CEO Torey Alston, alongside Interim College Provost Dr. Jamonica Rolle, Corporate Gifts Officer Ashley Shepple, and Associate Vice President for Teaching Excellence Michelle Levine, surprised the honorees during their classes.
“We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional educators,” Alston said. “Their commitment to student success and innovative teaching practices reflects the high standards of Broward College and helps position our institution as the number one destination for academic excellence.”
Established in 1989, the Endowed Teaching Chair program was created to honor standout faculty members. Thanks to strong donor support, the Broward College Foundation now offers 37 Endowed Teaching Chair Awards. Since the first awards were given in 1992, more than 240 have been awarded to over 180 professors.
The 2025-2026 Endowed Teaching Chair recipients are:
- Dr. Kevin Cole, Associate Professor of Art History, received the Rotary Clubs Endowed Teaching Chair. With a Ph.D. in Art and Architectural History, Dr. Cole has advanced the College’s visual arts programs and is a frequent speaker at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
- Dr. John Donovan, Associate Professor of History, was awarded the Stephen C. Barker Endowed Teaching Chair. Known for his dynamic and tech-savvy teaching style, Dr. Donovan uses storytelling, media, and AI tools to make history more immersive for his students.
- Andrew Dutka, Assistant Professor and Faculty Librarian, earned the A. Hugh Adams Endowed Teaching Chair. Dutka has led major digitization efforts for Broward College’s Archives and teaches students the critical importance of research and inquiry.
- Dr. Vanessa Hörmann, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, received the Motorola, Inc. Endowed Teaching Chair. Dr. Hörmann is praised for her innovative use of educational technology and commitment to creating accessible, high-engagement science courses.
- Dr. Isis Silva, Senior Professor of Education, was awarded the Sheldon J. Schlesinger, P.A. Endowed Teaching Chair. Dr. Silva emphasizes equity and high standards in her education courses and has co-authored a textbook used in foundational teaching classes.
- Chad Virtanen, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, received the Second Generation Community Leaders Endowed Teaching Chair. Virtanen blends AI and augmented reality into his humanities classes and is deeply involved in broader campus initiatives on equity and leadership.
“These awards reflect not only individual achievement but the strength of our academic community,” said Dr. Rolle. “We are grateful to our donors and supporters whose generosity makes it possible for our faculty to continue driving innovation in the classroom.”
