Augusta University has announced the recipients of its 2025-26 Teaching Excellence Awards. The Center for Instructional Innovation and the Teaching Excellence Awards Review Committee selected four winners this year: Catherine Jauregui, PhD, for the Individual Teaching Excellence Award; ChongWoo Park, PhD, for the Online Teaching Excellence Award; the Medical Illustration Graduate Program for the Program Teaching Excellence Award; and Deborah Richardson, PhD, for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.
The awards aim to recognize outstanding educators and educational programs at Augusta University and to select nominees for the University System of Georgia Regents’ Teaching Excellence Awards. Winners from Augusta University will be nominated for these system-wide awards.
“This year’s Teaching Excellence Award winners embody the very best of our educational mission,” said Jeff Mastromonico, chair of the Augusta University Teaching Excellence Awards Committee. “Their dedication to inspiring students, innovating in the classroom and fostering a culture of curiosity and growth exemplifies the highest standards of teaching. Each of them has made a lasting impact not only on their students, but also on our broader academic community, and we are honored to recognize their extraordinary contributions.”
Catherine Jauregui, PhD, an assistant professor in the Dental College of Georgia’s Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences and an associate faculty member in The Graduate School, has been with Augusta University since 2016. She teaches graduate students at various levels. Students and colleagues have noted her compassionate approach, especially during challenges such as Hurricane Helene, when she prioritized student well-being.
“Dr. Jauregui has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing the quality of teaching and learning, particularly in developing and implementing critical thinking strategies, including the ‘Empowering Critical Thinkers’ program, which involves Percipio-based modules,” said Nancy Young, DMD, dean of the Dental College of Georgia. “Beyond applying these innovative teaching strategies in her own classroom, she has supported colleagues in adopting these critical thinking tools and assessments, helping to raise the standard of instruction across the college.”
ChongWoo Park, PhD, professor of Management Information Systems in the James M. Hull College of Business, received the Online Teaching Excellence Award. Park has taught online courses since 2022 and focuses on communication, technology-enhanced delivery, and transparency.
“What truly distinguishes Dr. Park is his thoughtful integration of cutting-edge technologies with evidence-based instructional strategies. He has proactively adopted cloud-based platforms such as Google Locker Studio, Google Sites and Microsoft Teams to ensure students have equitable access to real-world tools that enhance collaboration, critical thinking and applied learning,” said Mark Thompson, PhD, dean of the Hull College of Business. “His strategic use of generative AI, data visualization tools and multimedia content not only enriches the online learning experience but also equips students with practical, industry-relevant skills.”
The Medical Illustration Graduate Program was recognized for Program Teaching Excellence. Established in 1948 within the College of Allied Health Sciences, the program has maintained a 100% graduation rate over five years and nearly all graduates secure employment within 12 months.
“I have seen firsthand the incredible value that the medical illustration program brings to Augusta University, and the continued support it provides to its current students, alumni and faculty,” said Noah Smith, a spring 2025 alum of the program. “The medical illustration program is dedicated to providing excellent education, building connections and community and fostering student growth and success.”
“The Medical Illustration Graduate Program represents the best of Augusta University,” said Lester Pretlow, PhD, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences. “It is a model of how high-quality teaching, responsive curriculum design and engaged scholarship can transform graduate education.”
Deborah Richardson, PhD, received the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award. She holds joint appointments in the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Richardson has worked at Augusta University since 2001.
“I believe Dr. Richardson’s scholarship of teaching and learning work is so immediately and obviously valuable to us as teachers because she answers those questions we most need answered about teaching with the insight and carefully crafted research that comes from more than 40 years of engagement with the scholarship of teaching and learning,” said Rhonda Armstrong, PhD, professor of English in Pamplin College. “Her experience and expertise in developing productive research questions and her extensive knowledge of the existing scholarship have led to a scholarship of teaching and learning research agenda that has influenced teaching and learning at AU and beyond.”
The Teaching Excellence Awards Review Committee includes faculty from across Augusta University. For further information about the awards or nomination process, interested parties are encouraged to contact Aisling Reigle.
