“Outstanding” VCU professor recognized by Governor
Gov. Bob McDonnell recognized 12 educators across the commonwealth, including one VCU professor, with the Outstanding Faculty Award on Tuesday.
Sam Issacs
Staff Writer
Gov. Bob McDonnell recognized 12 educators across the commonwealth, including one VCU professor, with the Outstanding Faculty Award on Tuesday.
Shiv Khanna, a physics professor at VCU, was selected for his internationally recognized work on clusters, nanoscale materials and the discovery of “superatoms.” He has also contributed to over 250 publications and delivered more than 100 lectures across the world.
“It is (at VCU) that I have realized my ultimate dream of integrating the two ambitions that shaped my early life. The first one was to become a scientist, to understand the mystery behind
this existence … The second dream was to become a successful professor who inspires and shapes the lives of young students,” Khanna said after receiving word about the award.
Khanna has been with the university since 1984 and currently serves as the graduate program director in the Department of Physics.
The award goes to educators who showcase excellence in teaching, research and public service in private and public universities in Virginia.
“The academic work of these 12 outstanding educators benefits not only the students at their respective institutions, but all Virginians,” McDonnell said in a release. “These educators should be commended for their dedication and commitment to training the next generation of Virginia leaders.”
Robert H. Gowdy, chair of VCU’s Department of Physics, said that Khanna is the perfect candidate for the award.
“He is an enthusiastic teacher who is constantly seeking new ways to engage students in understanding physics. As department chair, I find him to be a constant
source of wise counsel,” Gowdy said.
The award has been given annually by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia since 1986. SCHEV Director Peter Blake said the winners this year come from a wide range of academic fields.
“This year’s recipients are among the best and the brightest Virginia has to offer in academic fields as varied as medicine to creative writing. They truly represent the commonwealth’s commitment to excellence and diversity in its higher education system,” he said.
Each winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 dollars as part of a $75,000 grant from the Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Dominion Resources, one of the country’s largest energy producers. The winners will be recognized at the Jefferson Hotel later this month.
