Dr. Jason HansDr. Jason Hans, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Studies at UK, recently received the 2009 Food and Agricultural Sciences Excellence in College and University New Teacher Award. Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, this program generates nominations from a large spectrum of departments in agriculture, natural resources, veterinary science, and human sciences from across the nation. Only two nominees are chosen each year to receive a new teacher award.

"All of us in UK's Family Studies Department are very proud of Jason's achievement in earning this important national award," said Ronald Werner-Wilson, chair of Family Studies and the Kathryn Louise Chellgren Endowed Professor for Research.  "He definitely is one of the top young teachers and researchers in the entire nation in the field of family studies."

The nominees are evaluated on the basis of their ability as classroom teachers, use of innovative teaching methodology, service to students and their profession, and scholarship. Hans, who has had more students enrolled in his classes than any other faculty member at UK since his arrival in the fall of 2004, said, "The innovative uses of technology in my teaching are largely driven by my desire to engage students, even when there are hundreds enrolled in the class."

Hans' research is generally focused on post-divorce financial issues and posthumous reproduction, and since 2001 he has edited Graduate and Undergraduate Study in Marriage and Family, the most comprehensive guide to family-related academic programs ever complied. A former McNair Scholar, Hans has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2008 Provost's Outstanding Teacher Award at UK. The prestigious Rollins Society inducted him in 2003 for his contributions to the family science community, and in 2002 he was awarded the National Council on Family Relations Outstanding Student Award in recognition of his outstanding potential for contribution to the field of family studies.

The Department of Family Studies offers programs for students preparing to work with individuals and families in various settings, including schools, private and public human agencies, and businesses. For more information, please visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/hes/index.php?p=2.