Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences honored religion professor Lisa Battaglia with its annual teaching award at a faculty assembly Jan. 23. Nominations for the honor come from students and colleagues, and those submitted for Battaglia highlighted her exceptional contributions to student learning.

A colleague who nominated Battaglia for the honor praised her contribution to the scholarship of teaching, innovation in online education and her special interest in helping students explore belief. “Dr. Battaglia is emerging as a regional leader in teaching interreligious dialogue,” the colleague wrote, noting that she was chosen to participate in national seminars on Teaching Interfaith Understanding sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC).  Battaglia also earned a grant from Samford’s William E. and Wylodine F. Hull Fund for Christian Scholarship to support her development of a related course.

A nominating student who has studied with Battaglia in many courses also praised the professor’s ability to help students explore new perspectives. “In and outside of class, Dr. Battaglia shares her passion for building bridges at Samford and the Birmingham community, studying the world religions, and fostering interfaith understanding,” the student wrote. “Samford University is a brighter and more welcoming place because of professors, mentors and leaders like Dr. Battaglia.”