Four University of Michigan School of Information faculty members have received the school’s 2023-24 awards for excellence in community-engaged research, outstanding service and instruction. 

"One of the best parts of my job is recognizing the outstanding scholarly, instructional, and service contributions of UMSI faculty,” says Beth Yakel, interim dean of UMSI. “This year's awardees demonstrated excellence in community-engaged research, exemplary service to the school, and innovative and inclusive teaching. I am glad that we have these awards to recognize and celebrate their outstanding work.”

UMSI assistant professors Julie Hui and Robin Brewer individually are being honored with this year’s Joan Durrance Community Engagement Award. The award recognizes excellence in building partnerships with communities to develop information-related projects that can lead to social change. It is named for Professor Emerita Joan Durrance, who was devoted to conducting research that helped underserved populations. 

Hui received the award in recognition of her collaboration and active participation with communities dedicated to expanding Detroit’s digital infrastructure in support of local businesses and the entrepreneurs who work for them. Her dedication to closing the gap between research and practice using community-based methods has strengthened the digital ecosystem for minority businesses in Detroit.

"I look forward to continuing my research in partnership with local communities," she says. "We're excited about our projects' progress over the years and can't wait to share more about them in the future."

Brewer was recognized for her engagement and interactions with several communities, along with her unwavering commitment to bridging the gaps between academic, community and policy work and for consistently promoting accessibility and future computing priorities to policy and funding agencies.

“I'm grateful for the award and opportunity to honor Joan Durrance's legacy,” Brewer says. 

UMSI professor Barry Fishman received the Michael D. Cohen Outstanding Service Award. This award honors the memory of Professor Emeritus Michael D. Cohen and recognizes commitment to the UMSI community and mission. 

Fishman was recognized for his service as the chair of UMSI’s Dean Search Committee, his leadership and commitment to the undergraduate educational experience and his contributions to advisory roles across the university which have all significantly contributed to the future of UMSI and the university.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to contribute to the UMSI community because UMSI has given so much to me,” Fishman says. “I’ve really valued my time here and the opportunity to interact with so many fascinating staff, faculty, and students."

UMSI lecturer IV Anthony Whyte received the Excellence in Instruction Award. Whyte was recognized for his restructuring of SI 506 (Programing 1), transforming it into a premier Python programming class for students across the university, and for pedagogical innovations and dedication to creating a more inclusive teaching and learning environment.

“This is totally unexpected and much appreciated,” Whyte says. “I work alongside faculty, staff and students who are dedicated to advancing UMSI’s teaching mission. Whether I’m teaching in a tricked out classroom in the Central Campus Classroom Building, responding to questions on Slack, holding office hours in the Loft, or firing up a Zoom meeting to work with a student remotely, I never think I’m doing this all on my own. I’m part of a team, a community, a school and it makes for a wonderful life.”

See the full list of previous honorees:

UMSI Excellence in Instruction Award

Michael D. Cohen Outstanding Service Award

Joan Durrance Community Engagement Award