Cogswell Award

Abby Hickcox wins 2025 Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction

Rachel Sauer — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:08:09 +0000

Abby Hickcox wins 2025 Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction Rachel Sauer Tue, 04/15/2025 - 14:08

Hickcox, a 91��ý teaching associate professor of geography, is recognized for empowering students to think of themselves as creators of knowledge

Abby Hickcox, a teaching associate professor of geography and associate director of the Arts and Sciences Honors Program, has been named the 2025 Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction winner.

Supported by a generous donation from Craig Cogswell, a three-time alumnus of 91��ý, the award recognizes outstanding instruction in the college, honoring individuals for their inspirational qualities and teaching abilities.

Hickcox, who also is co-principal investigator of the 91��ý Affordable Housing Research Initiative, earned a BA in peace and global studies from Earlham College in 2000. In 2006, she received an MS from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Her master’s research investigated the privatization of common property (the Mexican ejido) in a national protected area in western Mexico. She earned her PhD in geography from the University of Colorado in 2012 and joined the honors faculty that year.

Abby Hickcox (second from right, with faculty colleagues in the Arts and Sciences Honors Program) has won the 2025 Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction.

“I am so honored to be selected for the Cogswell Award!” Hickcox says. “Teaching is what I love most about my role in the Honors Program. To be selected for the Cogswell Award, which recognizes inspirational instruction, is heartwarming and affirming. I am honored that my colleagues and peers took the time to nominate me, and I am so grateful for the community I have at CU, especially my students.”

In nominating Hickcox for the award, her colleagues and students noted her innovative teaching practices, interdisciplinary focus and genuine care for students.

“(Hickcox) excels at creating an inclusive classroom where students feel safe to share their thoughts, ideas and opinions,” noted Amy Palmer, a professor of biochemistry and the 2024 Cogswell Award winner. “She challenges students to take ownership of their own learning and empowers them to think of themselves as creators of knowledge.”

A former student who took Hickcox’s Environment Society Geography class as a freshman detailed how Hickcox combines an “irresistible passion for geography and learning with an unparalleled care and respect for students and their experiences.”

The student added, “From the first day, Dr. Hickcox had us questioning what can even define the line between nature and the human world, and from this philosophical beginning we extrapolated from questions into frameworks into analysis of lawns and wolves. It rocked.

“Dr. Hickcox’s excitement permeates through the classroom with geographical jokes and contagious interest in people and places. She almost got me; I almost considered changing my major—I might still add a minor. One thing will stick with me forever: a deeper appreciation of our interaction as humans with the world.”

Focusing on human geography

"From the first day, Dr. Hickcox had us questioning what can even define the line between nature and the human world, and from this philosophical beginning we extrapolated from questions into frameworks into analysis of lawns and wolves. It rocked."

Hickcox also is faculty advisor for the Honors Journal, an interdisciplinary, student-run journal published annually by the Arts and Sciences Honors Program. A student who worked on the journal praised the community that Hickcox helped them cultivate as they worked on the journal—“the friendships, memories, creativity and mutual respect that was intentional and significant,” the student noted.

“There is one moment that will last with me for a long time: Towards the end of the semester, we had finished the stressful process of planning the release event for the journal. After we had finished tasks for the day, Dr. Hickcox told us that she wanted to take a moment to talk about what she had observed this semester and what she valued in each of us. I have not felt the same depth of honesty and genuine thoughtfulness from a professor before or since.”

Hickcox teaches five honors courses per year—both lower division and upper division—which include Sustainable Futures (GEOG 1972); Place, Power and Contemporary Culture (GEOG 3742); Environmental Justice (HONR 4075); and Racism in American Culture (HONR 4000). She recently overhauled the Honors Diversity Seminar (HONR 1810) and created a new Advanced Writing Seminar—Honors Journal Section (HONR 3220).

Her research expertise is in human geography and focuses on the relationship between people and the environment. Her areas of research include parks and protected areas, environmentalism, environmental justice, racism, racialization, white racial privilege and the politics of belonging and exclusion. Specifically, through examination of historical and contemporary data, her research addresses the complicated overlap between environmentalism, progressive politics and racism in Boulder.

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Hickcox, a 91��ý teaching associate professor of geography, is recognized for empowering students to think of themselves as creators of knowledge.

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Biochemist wins Cogswell Award for Inspirational Teaching

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 23:51:37 +0000

Biochemist wins Cogswell Award for Inspirational Teaching Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/23/2024 - 16:51

Amy Palmer, professor of biochemistry, recognized for revamping classroom experiences, championing diversity and striving to connect with students ‘beyond the course curriculum’

Amy Palmer, a biochemistry professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, has won the 2024 Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction.

Palmer, who is faculty director of the Honors Program, joined the 91��ý faculty in 2005. She holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from Dartmouth College, a master’s in education from Stanford University, and a PhD in biophysical chemistry from Stanford.

Amy Palmer (second from left), a 91��ý professor of biochemistry and the 2024 Cogswell Award winner, met with students in Mumbai, India, in January. (Photo: Amy Palmer)

In letters of nomination, her students and colleagues praised her for adopting state-of-the-art science-teaching methods, launching a new biochemistry seminar course for first-year students, transforming how traditional courses are taught, and advancing the diversity of student populations.

Moreover, they said she genuinely cares about students, striving to get to know them personally and “connect with them beyond the course curriculum.”

“Professor Palmer is a phenomenal teacher and universally praised by students from all levels at CU for her outstanding teaching pedagogy, her commitment to students and her inspirational character,” four of her colleagues wrote.

In his nomination letter, one former student said: "The dedication she demonstrates through meticulously planned lessons, coupled with a dynamic teaching style, makes her classes both enjoyable and academically enriching. What truly distinguishes Amy is her inspirational impact on students. She goes beyond imparting knowledge; she instills a sense of curiosity and a desire for academic excellence. Amy's passion for the subject matter is infectious, motivating students to explore beyond the confines of the curriculum and develop a deeper understanding of the material."

A dedication to teaching

Another former student, now a PhD candidate at Harvard University, wrote that Palmer had inspired her inside and outside of the classroom. Several connections and collaborations resulted from Palmer’s “admirable generosity with her time,” the student said, adding:

“When I first met Professor Palmer, I was primarily interested in pursuing a career in medicine, but after engaging with Dr. Palmer and hearing about her training and current career, I was inspired to consider and ultimately pursue further training in academia. The lasting impact of Dr. Palmer’s guidance and inspiration on my training as a scientist cannot be overstated; it drives me forward still today.”

Teaching and mentoring students are two of my career passions. The opportunity to work with undergraduates and try to transform how we teach science is what drove me to become a professor. It is so rewarding to hear from students that this has had an impact on them.”

Given her accomplishments and praise from such students, her colleagues said, “It is no wonder that Professor Palmer is one of the most admired faculty members among our student body.”

Palmer said she was “deeply touched and honored” for both the nomination and the award. “Teaching and mentoring students are two of my career passions. The opportunity to work with undergraduates and try to transform how we teach science is what drove me to become a professor. It is so rewarding to hear from students that this has had an impact on them.”

Cogswell earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1970, followed by master’s degrees in education in 1979 and in educational psychological studies in 1984.

Cogswell retired from a long career as a high school social studies teacher, corporate educator and young-teacher mentor. He was named Colorado Teacher of the Year in 2000.

“I think university instructors always have the dilemma that their primary focus is research or writing, things like that,” he told the Colorado Arts and Sciences magazine in 2017. “To me, at the university level, when someone really works hard on being a dynamic, interesting or challenging teacher, that is something that should be acknowledged and rewarded.”

He said he is “overwhelmed” by the Palmer’s record, adding: “Professor Amy Palmer richly deserves the recognition. She is clearly a knowledgeable and innovative teacher, creating new courses and learning structures. Her ability to engage students in a meaningful way with difficult concepts is a special gift.

“More importantly to me, she has encouraged and supported her students with a variety of opportunities that address different learning styles and needs,” Cogswell said, adding that she shows “that special combination of energy, enthusiasm and talent that demonstrate teaching at its best.”

Top image: Amy Palmer and (background) a hippocampal neuron expressing a zinc FRET sensor (Image by Lynn Sanford of the Palmer Lab)

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Amy Palmer, professor of biochemistry, recognized for revamping classroom experiences, championing diversity and striving to connect with students ‘beyond the course curriculum.’

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Life scientist wins first Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 20:24:26 +0000

Life scientist wins first Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/15/2022 - 14:24

Pamela Harvey, teaching associate professor, recognized for the passion and effectiveness of her teaching

Pamela Harvey, teaching associate professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB), has won the inaugural Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction.

Harvey joined 91��ý as a postdoctoral researcher in 2009 and has served on the MCDB faculty since. She earned a PhD in neuroscience from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2009 and holds degrees in psychology, physiology and neurobiology from the University of Connecticut.

Harvey was praised by her students and colleagues for her passion, dedication and creativity, especially her commitment to mentoring students.

The National Academy of Sciences named her an Education Fellow in the Life Sciences in 2012, and she has twice been designated a faculty fellow by Arts & Sciences Support of Education Through Technology, which integrates technology with pedagogy to promote “impactful learning.”

Dr. Harvey has a stellar record of teaching excellence and is strongly dedicated to student gains academically and through research opportunities.”

Cogswell earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1970, followed by master’s degrees in education in 1979 and in educational psychological studies in 1984.

Cogswell retired from a long career as a high school social studies teacher, corporate educator and young-teacher mentor. He was named Colorado Teacher of the Year in 2000.

Cogswell said it was a privilege to support Harvey: “She’s an outstanding instructor and academic leader. Her involvement and her dedication to students are inspirational.”

Lee Niswander, professor and chair of MCDB, said the department is “extremely proud” of Harvey and grateful that she’s been honored with the Cogswell Award.

“Dr. Harvey has a stellar record of teaching excellence and is strongly dedicated to student gains academically and through research opportunities. She helped pioneer hypothesis-driven course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) on our campus and has mentored faculty across CU in their development of CUREs,” Niswander said, adding that Harvey has “inspired countless students and helped them to reach their academic and professional goals.”

Pamela Harvey, teaching associate professor, recognized for the passion and effectiveness of her teaching.

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Cogswell award to recognize inspiration in CU classrooms

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:05:35 +0000

Cogswell award to recognize inspiration in CU classrooms Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/30/2017 - 17:05

Clay Bonnyman Evans

Former Colorado Teacher of the Year wants to recognize university’s best teachers

Craig Cogswell grew up in eastern Kansas and started his college career at the University of Kansas. But after his parents moved to Colorado during his freshman year, he decided to pursue his education about 10 meridians to the west.

He’d vacationed in Colorado many times with his family, and from the moment he arrived at the University of Colorado Boulder, he knew he’d made the right decision.

“I don’t have a good explanation for this, but the very first day I was at CU somehow it felt like home,” says Cogswell, 69. “It just always felt right.”

Craig Cogswell

It must have. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in history in 1970, followed by master’s degrees in education in 1979 and 1984.

And now that he’s retired from a long career as a high school social studies teacher, corporate educator and young-teacher mentor, he’s giving back through the establishment of the Cogswell Award for Inspirational Instruction at 91��ý.

The award will be available to anyone who teaches at the university, whether a full professor, a student teacher, a graduate assistant or an adjunct professor.

Cogswell believes that having inspirational teachers in the classroom is critical to an excellent education.

“I think university instructors always have the dilemma that their primary focus is research or writing, things like that,” he says. “To me, at the university level, when someone really works hard on being a dynamic, interesting or challenging teacher, that is something that should be acknowledged and rewarded.”

Cogswell’s own experience at CU informed his decision to create the award.

“One thing I remember as an undergraduate, I had a lot of professors who were excellent teachers. That’s part of what motivated me to want to encourage that now,” he says.

Cogswell didn’t take long to realize that he was interested in education, though he confesses his choice of undergraduate majors was not necessarily a matter of deep consideration.

When someone really works hard on being a dynamic, interesting or challenging teacher, that is something that should be acknowledged and rewarded.”

“When the time came to declare a major, I wrote on one side of a piece of paper, ‘English,’ and on the other, ‘history,’ and put it on a dartboard,” he says. “I let fate take control. The dart hit history, but it turned out to be a good choice.”

It wasn’t until very late in his senior year, in 1970, that Cogswell decided to get certified to become a teacher — “See a pattern here?” he asks, laughing.

For the next year and a half, he took part-time classes, plunged into an intensive eight weeks with a full load, then spent eight weeks as a student teacher at Westminster High School, just down U.S. 36 from 91��ý. The school was sufficiently impressed that it offered him a job when he graduated in December 1971.

Cogswell earned his first master’s degree, in education, from CU in 1979. In 1984, he returned to earn another MA in educational technology.

“At the end of that, I got a job at a tech company in corporate education,” he says. “I did a year and a half there, then it sort of came down to, ‘OK, I know I can do other things now, but what do I really want to do?’ And what I really wanted was to teach.”

So he returned to the classroom, first for a year at a junior-high school in Westminster. After that he went back to Westminster High. In 2000, the Colorado Department of Education named him the state’s Teacher of the Year. That prestigious award is given to an outstanding teacher, who then spends the next year as a kind of spokesperson for public education on behalf of the department, Cogswell says.

He spent the last two years of his career working for the Westminster School District as a full-time mentor to new teachers, and retired in 2003. He hopes the award, which will be overseen by the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will reward those who put students first at CU.

“For many of my teachers, that was not their primary job,” he says. “Yet they were willing to put their time and energy into classroom teaching.”

At the top of the page, Steven Pollock, professor of physics has won several awards for his teaching, including the Carnegie/CASE US Professor of the Year in 2013.

The award will be available to anyone who teaches at the university, whether a full professor, a student teacher, a graduate assistant or an adjunct professor.

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Cogswell Award

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