Five University of Michigan faculty members have been honored as Arthur F. Thurnau Professors for their exceptional contributions to undergraduate education. This prestigious title is awarded to Brian K. Arbic, Ann L. Miller, Farina Mir, Aaron J. Ridley, and Ginger V. Shultz, acknowledging their dedication to teaching, mentorship, and educational innovation. Each will receive $20,000 to further enhance their teaching efforts. The Board of Regents approved these appointments on Feb. 20, with them taking effect on July 1.
Thurnau Professorships recognize faculty who excel in teaching, demonstrate innovation, and effectively engage a diverse student body. Candidates must impact students’ intellectual or artistic growth and contribute to undergraduate education beyond traditional settings. Established in 1988, these professorships are funded by the Arthur F. Thurnau Charitable Trust, initiated by a former U-M student.
Provost Laurie McCauley presented the recommendations and detailed each professor’s achievements to the Board of Regents. Below are summaries of their contributions.
Brian K. Arbic
Professor of earth and environmental sciences, LSA; professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, College of Engineering
Arbic is celebrated for connecting theory with practice through innovative teaching and mentorship. His students gain hands-on experience, such as collecting data aboard a NOAA research vessel. Arbic uses industry tools like MATLAB, resulting in six first-authored papers by undergraduates and high school students. He also established a course improving scientific literacy for future teachers and directs a summer school in Africa, offering research opportunities to U-M students.
Ann L. Miller
Professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology, LSA
Miller is known for her empathy and efforts to create an inclusive department. She redesigned curricula to increase research opportunities and secured funding for Biology 272, a course aiding students in molecular biology. Her program, “Being Human in STEM,” highlights diverse scientists. Miller also mentors students and directs the Horizons Summer Internship Program for underrepresented students.
Farina Mir
Richard Hudson Research Professor of History, associate professor of history and in the Honors Program, LSA
Mir has earned multiple teaching awards for impactful courses like History 101 and History 325. She helps students apply historical thinking to personal histories, notably enhancing opportunities for language study and funding abroad. As director of graduate studies, Mir revamped graduate student instructor processes to enhance undergraduate teaching quality.
Aaron J. Ridley
Professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, College of Engineering
Ridley stands out as a space physicist and a mentor. His hands-on courses allow students to explore data and models through real-world projects like rocket and sensor design. His ENG100 section won “Section of the Year” for its innovative approach. Ridley also shares engineering knowledge via his YouTube channel and Coursera.
Ginger V. Shultz
Associate professor and associate chair of chemistry; associate professor in the Honors Program, LSA
Shultz is renowned for her efforts in chemistry education and writing-to-learn strategies. She receives outstanding evaluations for her courses, which integrate diverse scientist stories and problem-based learning. Shultz has mentored over 50 undergraduates, enhancing their research skills. Her course CHEM 550/EDUC 554 trains graduate students for high-quality teaching, and as a co-leader of the M-Write initiative, she promotes writing-to-learn approaches in large classes.
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