2025 Laureates
Nathan Atkinson, UC Berkeley. Rhetoric
Since 2018, Professor Nate Atkinson has taught in UC Berkeley’s Department of Rhetoric, where he serves as a Continuing Lecturer and as Coordinator for Reading & Composition. He also leads the Tutoring and Writing Fellows Program for the Art of Writing initiative.
The nominator described Nate’s classrooms as intellectual laboratories where curiosity, critical thinking, and open inquiry are balanced with reflection, revision, and a strong sense of community, ethics, and belonging.
Professor Atkinson’s contributions advance modern rhetorical studies by demonstrating how visual media, state power, and public discourse interlock—particularly in historical moments of conflict and control.
Jonathan Gienapp, Stanford, History/Law
Since 2015, Professor Jonathan Gienapp has been situated within the Department of History at Stanford University where he teaches history and law.
His nominator described inclusive, intellectually rigorous classrooms that ground discussions in historical context, encourage student-led dialogue, and combine thoughtful guidance with consistent encouragement and challenge.
Over the past decade, he has established a remarkably prolific record of scholarship, producing a wide array of articles, essays, book chapters, books, and amicus briefs. His most recent work, Against Constitutional Originalism: A Historical Critique, was named a History Today Book of the Year in 2024.
Nicol Hammond, UC Santa Cruz, Cultural Musicology
Prof. Nicole Hammond is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Music at UC Santa Cruz (since 2014). She is an ethnomusicologist and music scholar specializing in South African popular, traditional, and choral music, and in feminist and queer studies.
Her nominator described how Nicol fosters inclusive discussion, demystifies
complex ideas, and empowers students to discover deeper, more thoughtful
approaches to research.
Nicol seeks to make space for inclusive and transformative creativity, and her work bridges music, identity, and social justice, with a focus on queer and postcolonial perspectives. Her research offers influential insights into South African culture, trauma-informed pedagogy, and sound studies.
Timothy McNeil, UC Davis, Design
Timothy McNeil teaches the exhibitions concentration in the Department of Design at UC Davis since 2005. He guides undergraduates through projects in exhibition and experience design that address (among many subject areas) decolonization, social and climate justice, and accessibility.
McNeil’s students follow a path of discovery that fosters collaboration and impactful community partnerships that both build student confidence and elevate the university’s public presence.
His nominator underscored that McNeil was an exceptional mentor and appreciated how even the most outlandish ideas are carefully considered for how they apply to course goals and the students’ lived experiences.
Timothy is also the Director and Chief Curator of the UC Davis Design Museum and a founding principal of Muniz/McNeil Design.
Joseph Nation, Stanford, Public Policy
Professor Nation began his career at Stanford University in 2007, following six years of service in the California State Assembly. He is currently Professor of the Practice, Public Policy and Human Biology, Co-Director of the Graduate Public Policy Practicum, and Faculty Affiliate of the Stanford Center on Longevity. He conducts ongoing research on California, global carbon markets and currently sits on the Economic Advisory Board of the Bay Area Council and on the Board of Advisors of the Climate Cabinet Action.
Joe Nation was praised by his nominator for fostering thoughtful discussion and intellectual curiosity, while creating a classroom environment where students feel comfortable challenging ideas and seeking his guidance beyond the course.
Prof. Nation uses a real-world approach to teach students how to not only develop politically-viable solutions, but also how to effectively communicate these solutions with lawmakers.