Outstanding Honors Faculty Award

The Outstanding Honors Faculty Award recognizes an Honors faculty member whose teaching has both challenged and inspired students. Honors students nominate and select the recipient of this award, whose pedagogical engagement in Honors classrooms fuels the high-achieving students of the University Honors Program.

William Cooney, Ph.D. School of Communication College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media

Dr. William Cooney’s, instructor in the School of Communication and Director of the ASH Speech Centers, passion for guiding students in critical self-reflection and collaborative inquiry has made a lasting impact. Known for creating a learning environment that fosters ethical citizenship and engagement with complex social constructs, Dr. Cooney encourages students to not only master the art of public speaking but also to reflect on their personal and societal values. His innovative approach to pedagogy, which integrates mastery learning, ensures that students can continually refine their ideas and arguments, empowering them to tackle challenging topics with confidence.

One of Dr. Cooney's standout attributes is his dedication to meeting students where they are, offering personalized guidance that fosters both intellectual and personal growth. His commitment to diversity in education, demonstrated through his ability to relate course material to each student’s background and experiences, makes him a respected and admired figure in the classroom and beyond.

In his teaching philosophy, Dr. Cooney highlights the importance of encouraging students to question the world around them and the forces shaping their beliefs. His classrooms are a place where students are not only invited to express their thoughts but also challenged to explore the deeper implications of their ideas in a collegial and respectful manner. This approach, combined with his focus on fostering critical reflection, makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Honors Faculty Award.

Previous Award Winners

View the full list of award recipients