English Faculty Recognized for Outstanding Teaching

Congratulations to English faculty members Melissa Licht and Andrew Scheil, who have been recognized for excellence in teaching!

Associate faculty member Melissa Licht has won the Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award, the top University honor for undergrad teaching. Each year since 1966, the University of Minnesota has recognized a select group of faculty members for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education. Licht is one of 11 recipients across the University of Minnesota system. According to the citation, "Her community-engaged teaching builds thoughtful, active relationships between the University and the 'real world,' fostering learning that transforms personal, academic, and professional trajectories."

Professor Andrew Scheil received one of two 2026 College of Liberal Arts Arthur "Red" and Helene B. Motley Exemplary Teaching Awards, which recognize outstanding teachers of graduate and undergraduate students. The award is named in honor of Arthur “Red” Motley, an alumnus of the University and a recipient of the University’s highest honor, the Regents Award. In keeping with the qualities embodied by Red Motley, this award is designed to reward top educators who demonstrate their passion and commitment to teaching. A scholar of late antiquity/early Middle Ages literatures, Dr. Scheil regularly teaches "Old English" and "British Literature I." 

Cheers! We are grateful for your commitment to your students.