Chemistry Faculty and Student receive Chancellor's Honors Awards

Date: 04/18/2011

The Chancellor's Honors Banquet is held each spring to recognize students, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Tennessee for their extraordinary achievements.

The 2011 banquet was held April 11th at the University Center.

Professor Jeff Kovac, Professor Ben Xue and senior student in Chemistry Katherine Sharp received awards during the banquet.

2011 Excellence in Academic Outreach

Dr. Jeffrey Kovac (left)

This year's award goes to Jeffrey Kovac, a tenured faculty member of the Department of Chemistry since 1976. Kovac directs the department's undergraduate instructional program, carries a regular teaching load, and maintains an active program of scholarship and research.
His talents as an educator reach well beyond the UT campus. As director of the Governor's School for Science and Engineering, Kovac designs curriculum and activities for 150 of Tennessee's brightest high school students every year, recruiting appropriate faculty members and teaching at least one seminar himself.
In 2009, he was invited to direct the Tennessee Science Olympiad State Tournament. This program introduces middle and high school students to science and engineering concepts through competitive events. He has improved the state Science Olympiad website and has developed and staffed a coaches' workshop for Tennessee teachers.

2011 Research and Creative Achievement

Dr. Ben Xue (right)

Ben Xue, professor of chemistry, joined the faculty in 1992. Since then, he has been recognized for his contributions in chemistry, especially inorganic compounds and their novel analysis. His work has led to the understanding of the formation of advanced materials and new catalysts, as well as the development of novel analytical methods. His research has been constantly supported by the National Science Foundation, and he has been honored with awards from foundations and associations around the world.

Research and Creative Achievement honors are awarded to tenured faculty who have received national or international recognition in their field.

Also awarded is chemistry senior student Katherine Sharp as one of the 2011 Top Collegiate Scholars.

Click to view more award recipients of 2011 Chancellor's Honors