University announces 2026 Kemper Fellows for Teaching Excellence

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas instructors lift society through innovative approaches, disciplinary expertise and mentorship of future leaders. This spring, five faculty members who exemplify these qualities from the Lawrence campus were named recipients of the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.  

2026 William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence recipients 

• Gerrit de Boer, associate professor of ecology & evolutionary biology 
• Angela Gist-Mackey, associate professor and associate chair of communication studies 
• Chad Kraus, professor of architecture 
• Meggie Mapes, associate teaching professor of communication studies 
• Ward Thompson, professor of chemistry 

Honorees received a surprise visit during class from Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, Provost Arash Mafi or Executive Dean Jennifer Roberts, accompanied by representatives from the Office of Faculty Affairs and Commerce Bank.  

The Kemper fellowships recognize outstanding KU faculty whose teaching guides students in gaining crucial skills, embracing academic and professional challenges, developing learning strategies and improving long-term success. Each recipient will receive $7,500 from the William T. Kemper Foundation (Commerce Bank, trustee) for demonstrating teaching excellence, innovation and student-centeredness, all teaching qualities essential to the success of KU. 

“Excellence in teaching is central to KU’s mission and integral to our students’ experience,” Girod said. “This year’s Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence recipients include some of our finest educators and mentors, each of whom are worthy of our recognition and thanks. I look forward to celebrating these outstanding teachers at our annual awards ceremony, and I invite our entire academic community to join us.” 

The five Kemper Fellows will be honored alongside the winners of KU’s other annual teaching awards at the annual University Teaching Awards event in September. 

About the 2026 Kemper Fellows 

The following summaries draw from portions of each fellow’s nomination packet, highlighting their strengths in teaching and mentorship. 

Gerrit de Boer 

De Boer has cultivated a supportive and innovative learning environment for nearly four decades at KU. Through high-impact pedagogical practices, he has taught large-enrollment biology courses, educating nearly 4,000 students over the past five years. He continually refines his teaching through student feedback, exam performances, personal observations and professional development while embracing new pedagogical technologies to ensure an inclusive classroom experience. De Boer will be awarded emeritus status following his retirement this spring. 

Angela Gist-Mackey 

Gist-Mackey is described as a “charismatic instructor who draws students in and makes them care deeply.” She has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, preparing them for competitive internships and careers in academia and industry. Her service includes multiple graduate committees, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty mentorships for first-generation students and advising Lambda Pi Eta, the communication discipline’s undergraduate honor society. Feedback from students often acknowledges Gist-Mackey's passion and knowledge on the subject matter and her authenticity and care for each student. 

Chad Kraus 

Kraus teaches a diverse range of courses with innovation, curiosity and a sense of purpose. His pedagogical approach combines theory with practical experience and is evident in his Dirt Works Studio, a nationally recognized design-build program that enables students to construct real-world projects for the local community. Additionally, he establishes community relationships and secures funding to ensure continuity for his studio courses. Kraus co-developed a Nordic Architecture Study Abroad program, immersing architecture students through historically significant and contemporary Scandinavian design culture. Kraus mentors students as a faculty adviser for the American Institute of Architectural Students KU chapter. 

Meggie Mapes 

Mapes demonstrates a strong ethical commitment to students through teaching and mentorship. As introductory course supervisor, she mentors graduate instructors who teach approximately 50 sections of introductory communication courses each semester. She authored the open educational resource “Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking as Advocacy” to assist graduate teaching instructors at KU and beyond. A leader in open access initiatives, she has earned multiple related awards and has been instrumental in the redevelopment of the introductory public speaking course to align with KU Core 34 requirements.  

Ward Thompson 

Thompson utilizes innovative teaching methods to engage students in broad and complex scientific topics, providing them with a holistic understanding rather than memorization. He continually adapts his instructional methods for a diverse audience without compromising academic rigor. Thompson mentors numerous graduate teaching assistants through regular check-ins and supports graduate student research through open communication, goal setting and reflection. His mentorship impact is evident in the successful careers many of his students have gone on to lead.