Michael Galaty— 2010 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award

Award Citation: 

The Archaeological Institute of America recognizes Michael L. Galaty as the recipient of the 2010 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award. Galaty is currently a professor of anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Millsaps College, where he has taught since 1999. At Millsaps, Galaty teaches a wide range of courses in anthropology and archaeology, covering such diverse areas as gender in prehistory, historical archaeology, GIS applications in Mediterranean archaeology, and archaeological field methods. Millsaps recognized him as its 2008 Distinguished Professor, the highest award given by the institution and one that recognizes both outstanding teaching and professional activity.

Colleagues praise Galaty for his ability to bring his own research into the classroom and to provide opportunities for students to engage in archaeological fieldwork. In addition to conducting undergraduate field schools in Virginia, he has taken students to his research project in Albania and has obtained grants to develop an undergraduate archaeological chemistry laboratory at Millsaps. His students state that his courses are challenging, the readings tough, and his expectations for them high; they note that he strongly emphasizes discussions and active analysis rather than lecturing.

In recognition of his exemplary dedication to his students and his exceptional performance as an undergraduate teacher, the Archaeological Institute of America is pleased to name Michael L. Galaty the 2010 recipient of the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.