2026 Teaching Awards

Tulane honored dedicated faculty members with university-wide teaching awards during the Unified Commencement ceremony.

By: Kate Lorio

Summer 2026

Portrait of a smiling woman with gray hair, glasses, and a patterned scarf. Bookshelves behind.

Kate Adams. Photo: Kenny Lass

Kate Adams

Martha McCarty Kimmerling Chair in Women’s Literature in the School of Liberal Arts
Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowship for Undergraduate Education

Kate Adams is an associate professor and the inaugural Martha McCarty Kimmerling Chair in Women’s Literature in the Department of English in the School of Liberal Arts. She is recognized for encouraging students to think critically and across disciplines as they explore intellectual questions, instilling a sense of purpose and connecting the study of literature to the broader human experience. Students described her as an anchor whose “unwavering commitment” provided invaluable support while challenging them to achieve their goals. One former student put it simply: “If you are looking for ‘The Teacher Who Changed My Life,’ Kate Adams fits that description without question.”

Man in glasses, grey shirt, and green tie looks directly at the camera.

Adam Feibelman. Photo: Kenny Lass

Adam Feibelman

Sumter Davis Marks Professor of Law, Director of the Murphy Institute Center on Law and the Economy
Oliver Fund Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring

The 2026 Oliver Fund Award recipient is Adam Feibelman, the Sumter Davis Marks Professor of Law in the Tulane Law School and director of the Murphy Institute Center on Law and the Economy. Marcilynn Burke, dean of the Tulane Law School, cited his “extraordinary commitment to mentoring his colleagues,” noting that “his generosity with his time, insight and institutional wisdom has strengthened not only individual fellows and professors but our entire academic community.” Recommendations also cite his national impact as a mentor to visiting faculty and fellows, pointing out that his mentees’ success “raises the school’s scholarly profile and attracts emerging talent,” paying “continuing dividends to the university.”

Smiling blonde woman in a blue dress, leaning on a white railing.

Brooke Grant. Photo: Kenny Lass

Brooke Grant

Senior Professor of Practice in the School of Professional Advancement
President’s Awards for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching

Brooke Grant, senior professor of practice in Education Programs in the School of Professional Advancement, is recognized for cultivating welcoming learning environments grounded in high standards, clear expectations and consistent feedback. She is described as a “beloved professor” who teaches students “to apply theoretical foundations to authentic educational settings, enhancing both their academic learning and their readiness for professional practice.” One student wrote: “When learning from Dr. Grant, I feel capable of doing things beyond my current capabilities … and I feel cared for. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be.”

Ross Klingsberg. Photo: Kenny Lass

Ross Klingsberg

Associate Professor in the School of Medicine
President’s Awards for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching

Ross Klingsberg, associate professor in the School of Medicine and director of the Tulane Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Center, is honored for connecting challenging content to meaning and for investing deeply in mentorship outside of the classroom. His teaching is described as both individualized and exceptionally supportive, going above and beyond to meet students where they are and support their holistic development. A leading pulmonary and critical care specialist, Klingsberg completed his bachelor’s degree, MD, residency and a fellowship here at Tulane. A former student wrote: “Dr. Klingsberg embodies the spirit of Tulane, encouraging students to stay curious and become excellent, thoughtful, well-rounded clinicians.”

Woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, black turtleneck, and teal floral jacket stands outside.

Katie Russell. Photo: Kenny Lass

Katie Russell

Senior Professor of Practice in the School of Science and Engineering
Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowship for Undergraduate Education

Katie Russell, senior professor of practice in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the School of Science and Engineering, is celebrated for fostering a community of collaborative learners, helping students develop valuable professional skills along with technical expertise. Students and colleagues alike described her as an “outstanding teacher and mentor” whose innovative implementation of service learning “has become a model for integration of teaching and research in engineering education.” A two-time Tulane alumna, her open-door policy has also “shaped departmental culture” and affords students “the tools necessary to pursue competitive opportunities.”