Universities thrive on great faculty members — the dedication to the classroom experience, the commitment to advance their disciplines and the determination to make a difference through service are indispensable.
For over a decade, the Southeastern Conference has used its SEC Faculty Achievement Award to honor these essential members of the campus community. This unique awards program was established in 2012 by the Conference’s presidents and chancellors and celebrates success in teaching, research, and service. Each year, one of the 14 recipients is chosen as the SEC Professor of the Year, voted on by the universities’ provosts.
Previous Winners
2025
Paul Armsworth
Distinguished Service Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
2024
Elbio Dagotto
Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
2023
Tony Schmitz
Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering
2022
Alison Buchan
Carolyn W. Fite Professor of Microbiology
2021
Gregory Stuart
Chancellor’s Professor in Psychology
2020
Leon Tolbert
Min H. Kao Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
2019
Penny White
Elvin E. Overton Distinguished Professor of Law
2018
Louis Gross
Alvin and Sally Beaman Distinguished Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Mathematics
2017
Suzanne Lenhart
Chancellor’s Professor of Mathematics
2016
Susan E. Riechert
Distinguished Service Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
2015
J. Wesley Hines
Postelle Professor of Nuclear Engineering
2014
Daniel S. Simberloff
Nancy Gore Hunger Professor of Environmental Science
2013
Harry (Hap) McSween
Chancellor’s Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences
2012
Carol Tenopir
Chancellor’s Professor of Information Sciences