Leslie Hicks
William C. Friday/Class of 1986 Award for Excellence in Teaching
William C. Friday/Class of 1986 Award for Excellence in Teaching: The award was created by members of the 1986 graduating class to recognize members of the faculty who have exemplified excellence in inspirational teaching and is named in honor of William C. Friday, who devoted a lifetime of service to the University as President of the UNC System. The winner receives a stipend of $5,000 and a framed citation.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Faculty member since 2013
Hometown Moundsville, West Virginia
Excerpt from award citation:
“Dr. Hicks has taken a new approach to teaching an honors class that has shown to have a remarkable impact on her students.”
Who was the best teacher you ever had and why?
Professor Bill Price (Marshall University)– undergraduate research advisor, he introduced me to research and encouraged me to go to graduate school.
What is something you’ve learned from your students?
To capitalize on the diversity of strengths and celebrate failures that promote learning.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve summited Mount Kilimanjaro.
What does it take to be a good professor in 2020?
Enthusiasm and empathy
What’s the most creative thing you’ve done to engage your students?
I built a research-based CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) laboratory course and “Taylor Swift” Chromatography.
