Wake Forest offers a number of awards to distinguished faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University. We are proud to showcase the winners of these awards with information about each award as well as a listing of previous recipients.
The Medallion of Merit
The Medallion of Merit is the highest honor given by Wake Forest and is presented annually for outstanding achievement and distinguished contribution to the University. Previous recipients include presidents of the University, trustees, benefactors and retired faculty and administrators.
Current Recipient: Wayne Smith (’60) and Life Trustee (pictured)
The Kulynych Family Omicron Delta Kappa Award
This award was established in 1982 by the Wake Forest Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa to recognize an outstanding faculty member who bridges the gap between the classroom and student life. The recipient must contribute beyond the expected duties of teaching and research. In 1997, the award was endowed by the Kulynych Family Foundation and the name was changed to honor the Kulynych family.
For additional information about the Kulynych family and the establishment of the Kulynych Family Omicron Delta Kappa Award, please visit the Kulynych informational page.
Current Recipient: Ben King, Professor of Business
The Marcellus E. Waddill Excellence in Teaching Award
This award is given annually to two Wake Forest alumni/ae who are exemplary classroom teachers in public or private schools. The award was established in 1994 in honor of Marcellus Waddill, professor of mathematics from 1962 to 1997. Founded by his son David, the Waddill Award provides one of the largest monetary prizes of any teacher-recognition program in the country.
For additional information about Dr. Waddill and the establishment of the Waddill Award, please visit the Waddill informational page.
Current Recipients: Amy Talley (MAEd ’06) Spanish Teacher at Ashley Elementary and Melanie F. Huynch-Duc (MAEd ’05) ninth grade English and Journalism teacher at Northwest Guilford High School (pictured)
Joseph Branch Excellence in Teaching Award 
The award was established in 1985 to honor Chief Justice Joseph Branch upon his retirement from the North Carolina Supreme Court. Recipients are chose on the basis of outstanding teaching and service to the legal profession.
Current Recipient: Ahmed Taha, Professor of Law (pictured)
Bill J. Leonard Distinguished Service Award
The award is named for former divinity dean Bill Leonard and is given annually to an alumnus, faculty member or friend of the divinity school who embodies the principles of Pro Humanitate.
Current Recipient: Dr. Douglas Bailey (’60), Professor of Urban Ministry
Donald O. Shoonmaker Faculty Award for Community Service
The award was established in 1988 by the Wake Forest Alumni Council to recognize extraordinary community service of a respected teacher-scholar from the College or the Calloway School of Business and Accountancy. The award is named in memory of Professor of Politics Donald Schoonmaker.
Current Recipient: Dr. Jack Fleer, Professor Emerita, Political Science
Award for Excellence in Research
The award recognizes a faculty member in the College in the early part of his or her career. The award was established in 1971 and renamed in 1986 in recognition of the generosity of the late Wilbur Doyle who endowed the prize to honor his philosophy professor, A.C. Reid.
Current Recipients: Dr. Michealle Browers, Associate Professor of Political Science and Dr. Fred Salsbury, Professor of Physics
Reid-Doyle Prize for Excellence in Teaching
The award recognizes a faculty member in the College in the early part of his or her career. The award was established in 1971 and renamed in 1986 in recognition of the generosity of the late Wilbur Doyle who endowed the prize to honor his philosophy professor, A.C. Reid.
Current Recipients: Dr. Jessica Richard, Associate Professor of English
John Reinhardt Award for Distinguished Teaching
The award recognizes an experienced member of the College faculty, distinguished as a teacher in the broadest sense of the word and for exemplifying the ideals of a liberal arts education.
Current Recipients: Dr. Helga Welsh, Political Science
