Alpha Sigma Nu Selects Top Teacher of 2026

By Marcus Smith '27, Student Correspondent

The University of Scranton's professors are renowned for their ability to connect with their students on both an academic and personal level, a quality exemplified by Kim Pavlick, Ph.D., whose efforts won her recognition from her students.

Student members of the University's chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities, selected Dr. Pavlick as their Teacher of the Year. Formally known as the Gannon Award for Teaching, the award is named for Edward Gannon, S.J., a 22-year employee of the University who taught philosophy until his death in 1986.

Dr. Pavlick, who was hired at Scranton in 2005 and is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Media, was presented the award at a ceremony on Sunday, March 8, at the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society Induction Ceremony. There, she was praised as "committed to helping her students grow both inside and outside the classroom" by one student nominator.

When she learned that she had been chosen to receive the Teacher of the Year award, Dr. Pavlick said she was "absolutely gobsmacked."

"I see who gets it every year and they're smart, fabulous human beings and I think that's so well-deserved. I've always admired everyone who's been selected," Dr. Pavlick said.

She also said that it is "the honor of my career that students would give me this type of award, and a lot of them said it was because I encourage critical thinking in my classes."

In her classes, Dr. Pavlick tries to be up-to-date with current trends in education and pop culture, something that she always finds herself working to stay on top of.

"It's exciting to me to learn new material to teach students. I always try to be on the cutting edge. I'm always taking classes and webinars and getting certificates so that I can always bring something new into classes," she said. "Right now, I've been working the last two years on ethical AI use, particularly in the field of communications … and I have now added ethics into all of my classes."

She also serves as the NCAA faculty representative for Scranton's student-athletes and faculty mentor for the University's field hockey team, making her presence outside the classroom just as impactful as her teaching.

She describes herself as a mediator between the student-athletes and their professors in her capacity as the NCAA faculty representative.

"I love working with all students, and I love supporting all the student-athletes. I try to support them on the field, track or court, but particularly in the classroom. For example, I proctor exams for them remotely when they are playing away games," she explained.

Dr. Pavlick's abilities to care for her students were also praised by Grace DiCarlo '27, a marketing and public relations major from Boonton, New Jersey.

DiCarlo said Dr. Pavlick's involvement with students stood out the most during the classes she has taken under Dr. Pavlick.

"She really wants all of her students to succeed and she does that by going around the room, giving active feedback as we are doing work," DiCarlo said. "She's easily accessible. You can find her anytime and you can talk about whatever you want with her."

She also said that Dr. Pavlick is "a lovely human being and I can't think of a professor who would deserve the award more than her."

Dr. Pavlick received her bachelor's degree from West Virginia University, master's degree from The University of Scranton and her doctorate from Marywood University.

The Gannon Award for Teaching was established in 1969. Dr. Pavlick is the 57th recipient of the award, which recognizes outstanding efforts in educating students.

The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students at the University who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Marcus Smith '27, Schuylkill Haven, is an English and theatre double major at Scranton.