Six Faculty Members Receive 2026 Norm Jones Excellence in General Education Awards

Utah State University has named six faculty members as recipients of the 2026 Norm Jones Excellence in General Education Award. The award recognizes instructors who make a lasting impact on students through exceptional teaching and contributions to general education.

The award honors the legacy of Professor Emeritus Norman Jones, a longtime champion of general education at Utah State. Each recipient is a faculty member who helps students build the broad knowledge, critical thinking skills and curiosity that are at the heart of a university education.

This year's recipients are:

• Jennifer Grewe, Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
• Marlene Graf, Life Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences.
• Brittany Gentry, Humanities, Department of Philosophy.
• David Anderson, Creative Arts, Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning.
• Hannah Lewis, Quantitative Literacy, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
• Missy Kofoed, Physical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry.

Grewe has taught psychology at USU since 2011 and has influenced students both in the classroom and through her leadership of Connections, the university's first-year experience program. Colleagues credit her work with helping thousands of students develop the skills needed for academic success and engaged citizenship.

Graf is recognized for her contributions to nutrition education during more than two decades at Utah State. She has taught across multiple instructional formats while developing course materials and resources that support both students and fellow instructors.

Since joining the faculty in 2021, Gentry has created philosophy classrooms that foster discussion, curiosity and independent thinking. Her teaching encourages students to engage thoughtfully with complex ideas while developing confidence in their own perspectives.

Anderson has spent more than 30 years teaching in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. Through LAEP 1030: Introduction to Landscape Architecture, he introduces students to the discipline while encouraging creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Lewis has served Utah State students since 2009 as a lecturer, curriculum developer and academic leader. Her work has strengthened quantitative literacy instruction across the university's statewide campuses while supporting student achievement and faculty success.

Kofoed is recognized for her excellence in teaching, mentorship and service in the Department of Biochemistry. Through introductory chemistry courses and her work with the PASS Faculty Advisory Committee, she has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to student success.