The University of Georgia recently honored Ronald D. Simpson and Rebecca Hanner White with the prestigious President's Medal. The award ceremony took place on January 25 as part of the university's Founders Day celebration. The President's Medal is given annually to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the UGA community through their support of students, academic programs, research, and public service.
Dr. Ronald Simpson, a professor emeritus of higher education and science education, played a crucial role in establishing teaching excellence as an integral part of the University of Georgia's institutional culture. He served as the inaugural director of the Office of Instructional Development and dedicated more than 20 years to the university before retiring in 2001. Simpson continued to support instructional initiatives as a charter member of the Emeriti Scholars program and a mentor to faculty and administrators.
Simpson's programs in the Office of Instructional Development, later renamed the Center for Teaching and Learning, have been recognized as models for effective faculty and instructional development. He started or supported over 30 programs and activities that significantly improved the quality of instruction at UGA. Simpson also established teaching awards for faculty and graduate students, including the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship, the university's highest teaching honor.
Rebecca Hanner White, former dean of the University of Georgia's School of Law, is celebrated as one of the most effective deans and professors in the school's history. During her tenure as dean from 2003 to 2015, White recruited and supported a highly talented community of faculty and staff members dedicated to student success. She also enhanced the curriculum offerings, experiential learning opportunities, and facilities of the law school.
As the first female dean of the School of Law, White broke barriers and paved the way for future women in the field. She was the first female faculty member to be named a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor and received numerous awards for her excellence in teaching and faculty-student relations. White's expertise in labor law, employment discrimination, and labor arbitration has made a significant impact on the legal community, with her scholarship being cited by federal and state courts across the United States.
The President's Medal ceremony is held annually as part of UGA's Founders Week, which commemorates the university's establishment on January 27, 1785. This date marks the Georgia General Assembly's adoption of a charter, making the University of Georgia the first institution of public higher education in America.
The University of Georgia is proud to recognize Ronald D. Simpson and Rebecca Hanner White for their exceptional contributions to the university community and their dedication to enhancing the quality of education and research. These honorees have left a lasting impact on the UGA community, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of students, faculty, and staff.