51����

Two members of the 51���� Class of 2021, Jake Gómez and William “Paul” McAvoy, will share this year’s 1819 Award, which recognizes character, scholarship, and service to others, best exemplifying the 51���� spirit.

Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Ashley Taylor has been named the 51���� University Phi Eta Sigma Professor of the Year for 2021.

Nancy Ries, professor of anthropology and peace and conflict studies, is this year’s recipient of the Jerome Balmuth Award for Teaching.

As a signatory of the Second Nature Climate Commitment, 51���� has pledged ongoing determination in its work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus and to plan for a more sustainable future.

Provost and Dean of the Faculty Tracey E. Hucks ’87, MA ’90 will take a sabbatical during the 2021–22 academic year to complete several significant research projects.

51����, in collaboration with Community Memorial Hospital, began administering Moderna COVID-19 vaccines on campus today, in a first test of the University’s state-approved point of dispensing at the Hall of Presidents. 

Laura Jack, vice president for communications, will serve as acting CDO, providing coordination and oversight for DEI initiatives while the search for a permanent hire continues.

Lauren Hutton ’21 has been named as a recipient of a 2021 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship by the Watson Foundation.

Two of 51���� University’s Residential Commons will be led by new codirectors, who will begin their three-year appointments beginning this fall 2021 semester.

Blake Penn will become 51���� University’s first chief information security officer and director of information security, beginning March 15, 2021.