The College of Science congratulates Dr. James Kennedy of UNT Biological Sciences for receiving the prestigious 2022 UNT Foundation Eminent Faculty Award. Dr. Kennedy is a Regents Professor and serves as the Director of the Elm Fork Education Center and Natural Heritage Museum. His research specialization is in the ecology of benthic invertebrates and ecotoxicology.

"The UNT Foundation Eminent Faculty award is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a faculty member," said Dr. Kennedy. "I was deeply honored to be nominated for this award by my peers and was humbled when I learned I was selected for this honor. As is true with most significant achievements, I didn't do it alone. I am grateful for the many collaborations with colleagues, students, and opportunities at UNT that contributed to my success."

The award was presented to Dr. Kennedy as a surprise by Provost Cowley, Dean Padilla, and representatives from UNT Faculty Success.

"Dr. Kennedy is an inspiring faculty member that represents success in teaching, research, and service," said Dean Padilla. "He certainly deserves this award and we are thrilled his continuous work and efforts were recognized."

The UNT Foundation Eminent Faculty Award annually recognizes a faculty member, who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to scholarly-creative activity, teaching, and service and has served as an inspiration to the University of North Texas community. This award is one of the university's highest faculty honors and is given to one full-time faculty member each year. The award includes a one-time payment of $15,000, a commemorative engraved gift, and the distinction of Eminent Faculty.

Those nominated for the award need to have served the University of North Texas for a minimum of 10 years and be a full-time tenured professor in good standing at the time of the nomination. Selected recipients have proven themselves to be well-rounded, with outstanding accomplishments in scholarly-creative activity, teaching, and service and contribute notably to the advancement and vitality of the university community.