In recognition of their longstanding commitment to excellence in instruction, three University of Georgia faculty members have been named Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professors. The award is the university’s highest honor for sustained excellence in teaching.
The 2024-2025 Meigs Professors are:
- Gayle Andrews, professor in the department of educational theory and practice in the Mary Frances Early College of Education;
- Walter K. Schmidt, professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; and
- Maggie Snyder, professor of viola in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music in the Franklin College.
“Our newest Meigs Professors engage students at all levels through innovative instruction, real-world experiential learning opportunities and dedicated mentorship,” said S. Jack Hu, the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Their commitment positions their students for success, not only in the classroom but also throughout their lives.”
Gayle Andrews
Andrews’ teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education is a transformative force. Her students describe her as a mentor who challenges them not only to understand course content but also to apply it in ways that meaningfully contribute to society.
Andrews’ leadership in revamping the College of Education’s middle grades education program included incorporating service-learning into the curriculum. This approach encourages students to see the intersection of content and context, applying academic theories to practical, community-based solutions. These service-learning projects have benefited UGA students and enriched the learning experiences of middle grades students and teachers in local schools. She also played a critical role in creating the Middle Gades Master of Education online program, the Middle Grades Master of Arts in Teaching online program and in establishing several Double Dawg pathways that expanded opportunities for students to pursue advanced degrees.
Andrews ensures that students are engaged learners through active participation in democratic and personalized learning practices where their voices and experiences are central to the educational process.
“When you walk into Dr. Andrews’ classroom, you feel supported, challenged and loved,” wrote former student Allie Loder. “She learns your name, your story and your motivations. By connecting with her students in this way, she encourages them to feel safe to take risks, which is the key to true, meaningful learning.”
Walter K. Schmidt
Over the course of 23 years at UGA, Schmidt has worked to build self-confidence in students as they navigate complex content in biochemistry and molecular biology courses. He uses approachable examples to teach difficult concepts, creates a positive learning environment for every student and supports student success within and beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Schmidt is deeply committed to his students’ success, and he consistently went above and beyond to reinforce our grasp of the content and to re-instill our confidence,” wrote student Roshni Anthony.
While he has received several awards for his innovative approach to instruction, Schmidt’s impact reaches far beyond his own classroom. He is a strong advocate for experiential learning, and he is a prolific mentor for undergraduates and graduate students. Additionally, he has developed essential teaching resources that are shared across the department.
As leader of UGA’s Integrated Life Sciences program from 2010 to 2019, Schmidt developed the architecture of the program that remains in place today. From an initial cohort of eight to 10 students per year, ILS has grown to support more than 65 students per year, 16 departments, nine institutes and centers, and six colleges.
“Both undergraduate and graduate educational components of the biochemistry and molecular biology department and the greater life sciences community at UGA are distinctively better because of his leadership and innovative curriculum development,” said Adam W. Barb, professor and department head.
Maggie Snyder
The viola is jokingly known as the “Cinderella of the orchestra” because it’s seen as less flashy or important than other instruments, but a look at Snyder’s UGA career tells a different story.
As the only violist on the faculty of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, Snyder teaches individual weekly lessons and a weekly studio class, coaches chamber music ensembles, offers technique, orchestral excerpt and repertoire classes, oversees degree recitals and mentors master’s and doctoral students. She also teaches popular sections of First-Year Odyssey and GradFirst classes.
“I have seen her studio grow, and its trajectory has been steady and remarkable,” wrote Mark Cedel, professor of music and director of orchestral activities. “Not only have the numbers of students increased, but the quality and the level has grown as well.”
Beyond her instruction, Snyder often seeks out innovative cross-departmental collaborations. She spearheaded the 2023 residency of celebrated composer and violist Kenji Bunch that brought together the department of dance, the UGA Symphony Orchestra, composition students and chamber music students.
In each instructional setting, Snyder meets the needs and aspirations of each student, molding the curriculum, repertoire and methodology — an approach that equips them to be independent thinkers, teachers and artists. Many of her students have been admitted, often with considerable scholarship or assistantships, into distinguished graduate music programs. Others have been selected for prestigious summer music festivals or hold full-time positions in professional orchestras in the U.S. and abroad.
A commitment to excellence in teaching
The Meigs Professorship reflects the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, the value placed on student learning experiences and the central role instruction plays in the university’s mission.
Sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the professorship includes a permanent salary increase of $6,000 and a one-time discretionary fund of $1,000. Meigs Professors are senior faculty members who are nominated by their school or college and chosen by a committee consisting of 12 faculty members, two undergraduate students and one graduate student.
More information about the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorships is at https://provost.uga.edu/academic-excellence/honors-awards/teaching-awards-professorships/josiah-meigs-distinguished-teaching-professorships/.
