Each year, students elected to Phi Beta Kappa nominate their favorite professors for the annual Teaching Award. Nominations include a short statement and the names and email addresses of six other students who support the nomination. The awardee is selected by Phi Beta Kappa officers.
This year’s recipient is Jenny Saffran. 2026 graduate Howard Owens submitted the nomination, detailing not only the impact she has had on him through her teaching and mentoring, but also the importance of Saffran’s approach to mentoring. Specifically, he appreciated how she paired high expectations with unwavering support.
Howard explained, “By pushing me to articulate my reasoning, she helped me grow as a scholar and researcher, teaching me to trust my decisions and defend them thoughtfully. Finally, throughout the process of creating this senior thesis and in my academic journey, she has always been there, celebrating each milestone, whether big or small. This has given me hope to push forward during the rough patches of being a student.”
Congratulations to Professor Saffran!