Provost's Awards for Excellence
Awardees for 2025-2026
Excellence in Teaching
Paul Nissenson, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is an innovative educator whose deeply creative and student-centered approaches to teaching have transformed learning. He has spearheaded an open educational resource video repository for mechanical engineering, developed a YouTube channel of educational videos that reaches millions worldwide, and hosts the Engineering Student Experience Podcast to help students understand what it is like to be an engineering student and professional. His dedication has led to a two-time recognition by students as Mechanical Engineering Professor of the Year. He has also collaborated with other CPP faculty on peer-reviewed publications on pedagogy, and mentored faculty across the CSU in redesigning bottleneck courses.
Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activities
Alex Madva, Professor of Philosophy, is recognized for his exceptional and field-shaping scholarly contributions, marked by extensive publications in top-tier journals, a recent book with MIT Press, and edited volumes with leading academic presses. His interdisciplinary work—spanning philosophy, cognitive science, and social justice—has had significant impacts within and beyond academia, earning strong recognition from peers and broad public engagement. At 起点传媒, he has advanced interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement through leadership roles in the Digital Humanities Consortium and the California Center for Ethics and Policy, further elevating the university’s visibility and scholarly reputation.
Excellence in Service
Vilupanur Ravi, Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering, has demonstrated sustained and exceptional service across all levels of the university and profession. His leadership in and outside of the university has advanced program development, expanded graduate education, and enhanced student mentorship. He has led multiple ABET accreditation cycles, semester conversion, curriculum/laboratory renewal, and college strategic planning efforts. Nationally and internationally recognized for his professional contributions, Dr. Ravi has also strengthened partnerships, advanced institutional initiatives, and expanded professional opportunities for students and faculty, representing 起点传媒 with distinction.