ALLIANCE – The University of Mount Union is proud to announce that Dr. Kim Risley, professor of biology, chair of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Milton J. Lichty Chair in Biology, has been named the 2024 recipient of its Great Teacher Award. 

Risley has been a member of the Mount Union faculty since 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from North Dakota State University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology and immunology from East Carolina University’s School of Medicine.

One nominator said about Risley, “I have had the great privilege and honor to have had Dr. Risley serve as my professor, mentor, and research advisor for the past four years. This person has been the most impactful professor I have had throughout all my years in education.” 

Risley (center) with students

Another student said, “Her teaching style and course approach are exceptional; she goes above and beyond to accommodate each student’s learning preferences. Beyond her dedication, her passion for the subjects she teaches and her genuine love for her job is evident and infectious.”

The Great Teacher Award was initiated in 1962 and is sponsored by the Mount Union Alumni Association to recognize excellence in teaching – the foundation upon which the reputation of the University of Mount Union has been built. The award is given out at the University’s annual Honors Convocation. 

Learn more and view past recipients at mountunion.edu/great-teacher-award.