An associate professor at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s (CTAHR) has been recognized with a 2025 Regional Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Melissa Price, who teaches courses in wildlife ecology and environmental problem-solving, was one of six regional honorees recognized across the country. The national award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) honors faculty who demonstrate sustained excellence and innovative methods in teaching.
Price¡¯s work supports CTAHR¡¯s mission of fostering sustainable environmental management and preparing the next generation of conservation leaders in Â鶹´«Ã½. Her teaching prepares students for real-world impact through case studies and problem-solving. In her capstone course, students serve as a “think tank” for state decision-makers, analyzing social, cultural and ecological factors to address environmental challenges.
“As a land-grant institution, the university has longstanding ties to the USDA,” said Price, of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “The agency recognizes excellence in teaching across land-grant disciplines, including natural resources and wildlife management, and sponsors this award as part of that mission.”
In addition, the award includes a $2,000 stipend to support further teaching improvements at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹. The honorees will be formally recognized during the 2026 APLU Annual Meeting.