JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The University of North Florida recognized its top professor Friday.
At the University's Annual Fall Convocation Ceremony, Jeff Steagall was named 2009 Distinguished Professor.
The designation is given to the professor who best demonstrates excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, and is the highest such honor given by UNF.
Steagall is a professor of economics and international business, and has been with the university since 1990.
He spent more than three years as associate dean of the business school and spent 13 years directing the international business program.
"Jeff Steagall highly deserves this recognition by his faculty colleagues," said Mark Workman, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at UNF. "He has translated his conviction about the necessity for comprehending economic issues from an international perspective into a sustained, integrated and impressive agenda of scholarship, teaching and service."
Steagall is acclaimed throughout the university and beyond for his efforts to internationalize teaching, leading the first study abroad course in 1998. Now, at least 10 students participate each year.
His efforts to promote student exchange programs have resulted in 20 participants and about $700,000 in scholarships to fund the programs.
Steagall is no stranger to recognition, having received top recognition from the Coggin College of Business only last year. He also earned the UNF Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2000, and other teaching awards in the 1990s.
First Coast News