UF announces university-wide teaching and advising award winners

Five faculty members received the University of Florida’s highest 2025-26 teaching and advising awards April 14:

• Grady Roberts, a professor and distinguished teaching scholar in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, was named Teacher/Scholar of the Year, UF’s oldest and most prestigious teaching award.
• Brian Avery, a professor in the College of Health and Human Performance, and Melissa Soto, a professor in the College of Education, were named Undergraduate Teacher of the Year — the first time two professors have received the honor in the same year since 2007-08.
• Elizabeth Calienes, an associate instructional professor in the College of Journalism and Communications, was named Undergraduate Faculty Advisor/Mentor of the Year.
• Jason Storch, an associate in academic advising in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was named Undergraduate Professional Advisor of the Year.

UF Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs Chris Hass announced the winners at a reception at the Powell University House, sponsored by the Office of the Provost. Each awardee will receive $4,000.

“Teaching, advising and nurturing students are at the core of our mission in the Office of the Provost and at UF as a whole,” Hass said. “These awardees exemplify the highest standards of university educators and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to student success at UF and beyond.”

Roberts has served as a professor in CALS’ Department of Agricultural Education and Communication since 2008 and earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural education from UF.

Supported by more than $38 million in external research funding, his work focuses on improving the effectiveness and impact of educators and educational institutions. He ranks in the top 1% of his field in research productivity. He founded the research journal Advancements in Agricultural Development and led a United States Agency for International Development-funded project in Haiti that produced 16 research manuscripts, among other initiatives.

As an educator, Roberts is known as a “teacher of teachers,” leading four graduate courses. He has also taught undergraduate courses, developed study abroad programs and incorporated flipped classrooms and other instructional innovations. He serves as director of the CALS Teaching Resource Center, leading five faculty development programs.

“Roberts is an internationally recognized researcher who has made significant contributions to his discipline. He is an outstanding teacher who has changed the lives of his students through his dedication and core values,” CALS Dean Kati Migliaccio and other IFAS leaders wrote in a letter supporting his nomination.

Avery, a senior lecturer in the Department of Sport Management, previously worked in industry and spent nearly a decade at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management before joining UF.

He immerses students in real-world training, including crisis management scenarios and mock trials, while integrating artificial intelligence into instruction to prepare students for technology-driven careers.

“Professor Avery is the kind of educator who leaves a lifelong impact,” student Madison Maroulis wrote in a letter of support. “He elevates his classroom and inspires his students with a combination of expertise, energy and authenticity that is truly exceptional.”

Soto has served as a clinical associate professor in the College of Education’s School of Teaching and Learning since 2024 and previously taught at San Diego State University.

Her work focuses on mathematics education, using innovative and inclusive teaching approaches. She emphasizes understanding math from a student’s perspective rather than relying solely on formulas, helping future teachers build confidence and reduce anxiety around the subject.

“I had little enthusiasm for math,” student Amanda Lieber wrote in a letter of support. “However, her innovative teaching methods, coupled with her passion and patience, completely shifted my perspective.”

Calienes, an associate instructional professor in the Department of Advertising, previously held leadership roles at major agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, and supported campaigns for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Toyota.

She mentors students through courses, internships, student organizations and professional networking opportunities. She co-developed and co-directs the Cannes Lions Study Abroad Program and leads student participation in major industry events.

“Students seek her out when they are uncertain or overwhelmed and leave with stronger confidence and professional readiness,” department chair Huan Chen wrote.

Storch has nearly 30 years of experience supporting students, including 24 years advising UF student-athletes.

He advises CLAS undergraduates, prospective majors and first-year students, while also supporting academically at-risk students and leading prelaw advising initiatives. He helped create the weekly “Gator Gavel” newsletter and developed a course introducing students to the prelaw process.

“Throughout my time at UF, Mr. Storch was especially impactful during moments of uncertainty and transition,” student Jackson Cordray wrote.

The April 14 ceremony also announced winners of the Faculty Doctoral Mentoring Award, new inductees to the Academy of Distinguished Scholars and college-level recipients of teaching and advising awards.