Richmond faculty members rarely — if ever — slow down. Whether they’re hard at work in the classroom, conducting research around the world, or mentoring students, their commitment to academic excellence at UR and within their fields is profound.

So it’s no surprise that one of our amazing professors was recognized for just that. The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges selected UR biology professor April Hill as the 2017 recipient for its H. Hiter Harris Jr. Excellence in Teaching Award for her “clear and abiding commitment to the craft of classroom teaching, the teaching-learning process and the development of each student as an individual.”

Hill is an evolutionary developmental biologist who not only teaches at all levels of the undergraduate science curriculum, but also mentors a large number of undergraduates in research as members of her lab.

Plus, she’s dedicated to helping increase the number of underserved and minority students in the sciences, and to improving STEM experiences for all students. Her efforts helped lead to the creation of the University’s Integrated Inclusive Science program.

Congratulations, Dr. Hill. We’re so proud of your accomplishments and everything you’re doing for Richmond and our students.