Five University of Michigan lecturers have been honored for their outstanding contributions to instruction and inclusive teaching. 

Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, named Jennifer Cummings, Jeremy Edwards, Terence McGinn and Lisa Young 2025-2026 Collegiate Lecturers and awarded Scott Beal with the 2025 Lecturer Excellence in Inclusive-Teaching Award. 

The university awards up to four Collegiate Lecturer titles annually to lecturers II and IV who demonstrate a sustained record of excellence in teaching and learning, or in service or other contributions to the university. 

One lecturer is selected each year for the Lecturer Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award, which is open to all lecturer classifications. This award recognizes lecturers who demonstrate a sustained record of excellence in inclusive teaching practices. 

“These educators do remarkable work. They’re finding new ways to help students think differently, they’re mentoring in ways that truly change trajectories, and they’re making sure every student has a real chance to succeed,” McCauley said. “That’s what great teaching looks like at Michigan, and I’m grateful we can recognize it.” 

The following summaries were drawn from letters of support submitted for each honoree: 

Jennifer Cummings 

Lecturer IV in LSA’s Department of Psychology 

Jennifer Cummings teaches a wide range of core and advanced courses, all of which consistently receive some of the highest evaluations in LSA. 

Her teaching portfolio plays a key role in both the Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience major within the Department of Psychology and the Neuroscience major. Since 2018, Cummings has taught a summer course on behavioral neuroscience for the Michigan Math and Science Scholars Program, a pre-college experience that exposes high school students to rigorous yet engaging college-level coursework and research in the sciences. 

Cummings has received multiple honors, including the LSA Unsung Champion Advising Award and the Amy L. and Kirk L. Wolfe Prize. Her leadership, passion and dedication to pedagogical excellence make her an exemplary educator and an invaluable member of the U-M community. 

Jeremy Edwards 

Lecturer II in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance’s Department of Performing Arts Technology 

Jeremy Edwards, a faculty member in the Performing Arts Technology Department since 2012, is a distinguished educator, innovator and artist whose contributions have greatly advanced SMTD. 

Over his 13-year tenure, Edwards has designed student-centered curricula that integrate emerging technologies in audio engineering, music production, and electronic composition. He has developed and redesigned several influential courses, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for a broader range of students. 

A two-time U-M Golden Apple nominee and ADUE Teaching Award nominee, Edwards is known for his inclusive approach and interdisciplinary collaborations across campus. Through his innovative pedagogy, artistic excellence and deep commitment to student success, Edwards has made a lasting impact on the SMTD community and the field of performing arts technology. 

Terence McGinn 

Lecturer II in LSA’s Department of Sociology 

Terence McGinn has been a cornerstone of the Department of Sociology since 1997, shaping the educational experience of more than 10,000 students through his exceptional teaching, mentorship and innovation. He has taught more than 100 courses, covering a remarkable range of topics including gender, culture, religion, education, technology and criminology. 

His classes are known for their creativity, dynamism and ability to make complex sociological concepts both accessible and deeply engaging. Beyond his classroom excellence, he has mentored over 50 independent studies and six honors theses, two of which earned the department’s Robert Cooley Angel Award. 

McGinn has guided numerous GSIs and new lecturers, helping them develop confidence and mastery in the classroom. His innovative methods, such as the “quad” discussion model and experiential assignments that bridge theory with real-world application, have become hallmarks of the department’s curriculum. McGinn’s nearly 30 years of service exemplify the very best of the Collegiate Lecturer ideal excellence in teaching, mentorship and human connection. 

Lisa Young 

Lecturer IV in LSA’s Department of Anthropology 

Lisa Young has over 20 years of sustained excellence in teaching, community engagement and public outreach within LSA. Young has created impactful, hands-on learning opportunities, including the Homolovi Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, a field course that integrated archaeological research with public outreach. 

She has advised over 60 honors students and established a popular student research poster symposium. A recipient of the Provost’s Innovation Teaching Prize, Young revolutionized her Museum Anthropology course using technology to facilitate intercultural dialogues between U-M students and Native American community members. 

She is also a dedicated mentor, guiding GSIs on enhancing critical thinking and integrating race and ethnicity content, and advising new lecturers on pedagogical strategies like backwards course design. Young’s contributions significantly enhance learning opportunities for the university and the public. 

Scott Beal 

Adjunct lecturer in LSA’s Sweetland Center for Writing 

Since joining Sweetland in 2012, Scott Beal has exemplified student-centered teaching. He intentionally designs his courses around inclusive pedagogical practices, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported. 

His classes are known for their innovative readings, accessible yet intellectually challenging content, and welcoming classroom environment that fosters open dialogue across diverse perspectives. Student evaluations consistently praise his balance of rigor and compassion, as well as his ability to create a safe, engaging space for learning. 

Beal’s dedication to inclusive education extends far beyond the classroom. He helped the Sweetland Writing Center establish a collaborative space for lecturer faculty to share and implement inclusive pedagogical practices. Additionally, his outreach to local schools and nonprofit organizations has strengthened Sweetland’s community partnerships and helped to advance its educational mission. His work continues to inspire both students and peers to engage more deeply in inclusive learning and teaching.