Professor Sandra Levitsky has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to undergraduate education by being named an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor effective 7/1/19.  She will retain the title throughout her U-M career.

Criteria for Thurnau professorships include a strong commitment to students and to teaching and learning, excellence in teaching, innovations in teaching and learning, a strong commitment to working effectively with a diverse student body, a demonstrable impact on students’ intellectual or artistic development and on their lives, and contributions to undergraduate education beyond the classroom, studio or lab.

The professorships are named after alumnus Arthur F. Thurnau and supported by the Thurnau Charitable Trust. Recipients receive $20,000 to support teaching activities, including travel, books, equipment and graduate student support.

From her nomination:

Levitsky, associate professor of sociology, LSA, has earned outstanding student evaluations no matter the course size or level. Students say she motivates them to think in new ways, to recognize the complexity and fluidity of the social world, and to challenge their personal presuppositions. As a professor and director of the sociology undergraduate program, she has inspired many students to major in the discipline.

Levitsky has expanded the sociology curriculum to better serve those contemplating careers at the intersection of law and society and health and society.

Recognizing that a quarter of sociology majors are first-generation college students, Levitsky launched the Sociology Opportunities for Undergraduate Leadership program, which addresses financial concerns with paid research opportunities that connect students with faculty mentors.

 

Congratulations, Sandy!