The Outstanding Honors Faculty Award recognizes an Honors faculty member whose teaching has both challenged and inspired students. Honors students nominate and select the recipient of this award, whose pedagogical engagement in Honors classrooms fuels the high-achieving students of the University Honors Program.
Paul W. Denton Receives 2026 Outstanding Honors Faculty Award and Excellence in Teaching Award
Paul W. Denton, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
UNO is proud to recognize Paul W. Denton, Ph.D., associate professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), as the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2026 Outstanding Honors Faculty Award. Together, these honors recognize Denton's exceptional teaching, sustained commitment to student success, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Why this recipient
Denton was selected for his long record of supporting undergraduate and graduate students through research, publication opportunities, and experiential learning.
His accomplishments include:
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research and scholarly publication.
- Supporting student learning through the Molecular Biology Journal Club and outreach programming for middle and high school students.
- Securing multiple teaching-related grants from organizations including the Sherwood Foundation and Peter Kiewit Foundation via Omaha’s Collective For Youth as well as the US National Science Foundation.
- Maintaining consistently strong course evaluations.
- Participating regularly in professional development opportunities, including Teaching Analysis By Students (TABS).
Making an impact
Denton's approach to teaching emphasizes active learning, hands-on experiences, and scientific communication. Through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and extracurricular opportunities, he helps students develop the critical-thinking and research skills needed to succeed in science-related careers and graduate education.
His mentorship extends beyond formal coursework. Through the Molecular and Biomedical Biology Journal Club, students gain experience presenting scientific literature, analyzing research findings, and engaging in scholarly discussion. These opportunities allow students to strengthen both their communication skills and scientific understanding.
His impact is reflected not only in recognition from his colleagues but also in the voices of his students. Honors students selected Denton as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Honors Faculty Award, recognizing his engaging teaching, generous mentorship, and commitment to student success. One student described him as "one of the most engaging and interactive speakers out of any large lecture I have taken," adding that he "goes out of his way to design a class that creates real and capable learning."
Beyond the classroom, Denton has directed numerous Honors theses, mentoring students as they design and conduct original research focused on human natural killer (NK) cells, a cornerstone of his immunology research. Many of his former students have gone on to launch research careers of their own, co-author publications with Denton, and continue contributing to the scientific community. Through his work with Honors students, INBRE scholars, and undergraduate researchers, he continues to encourage students to pursue discovery, present their work professionally, and develop as future scientists.
The big picture
Receiving both the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Outstanding Honors Faculty Award in the same year highlights the breadth of Denton's impact across the university. His colleagues recognize his excellence as an educator, while his students celebrate the difference he has made in their academic and professional journeys.
Denton's work reflects UNO's commitment to educating all learners through innovative teaching, hands-on learning experiences, and meaningful student mentorship. By creating opportunities for students to engage in research, develop professional skills, and participate in scientific discovery, he advances the university's mission of transforming lives through education.
Past Award Winners
| Year | Recipient | Department/School |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Todd Richardson | Goodrich Scholarship Program |
| 2024 | William Cooney | School of Communication |
| 2023 | Saundra L. Shillingstad | Teacher Education |
| 2022 |
John Conrad |
Chemistry |
| 2021 | Griff Elder | |
| 2020 |
Adrian Duran |
Art & Art History
|
| 2019 | Amy Rodie | Marketing & Entrepreneurship |
| 2018 | Paul Davis | Biology |
| 2017 | Gina Lingon | Director NCITE |
| 2016 | Dale Eesley | Marketing & Entrepreneurship |
View the full list of award recipients