At nearly 4,000 strong, the University of Louisville faculty drives student success with renowned expertise in its fields of study as well as its innovative, creative and engaging teaching styles. From this outstanding talent pool, Professor Jennifer Brueckner-Collins was recently named the 2024 University of Louisville Trustees Award winner for the indelible mark she leaves on her students’ academic, personal and professional development and success. She was presented with the award at the annual Faculty & Staff Excellence Awards Reception, which took place April 18, 2024.
Brueckner-Collins joined UofL’s faculty in 2010 and is the vice chair for educational programs and a professor in the Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology at UofL’s School of Medicine. During her time at UofL, she has played a key role in developing integrated anatomy curricula for the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and co-founded the School of Medicine’s longitudinal Distinction in Medical Education track.
“Dr. Brueckner-Collins exemplifies the qualities of a superb educator,” said Trustee Raymond Burse. “She is beloved by both students and faculty alike, and her impact on medical education is profound and far-reaching.”
Burse also cited Brueckner-Collins’ innovative approach to instruction, such as incorporating real-life clinical cases, interactive multimedia resources and new classroom technology in her teaching strategies.
“While my job is to help students transition to graduate-level training and to teach them some anatomy along the way, teaching these remarkable students represents much more than a career to me; it is a passion – a passion to inspire students to succeed in both classroom and in life,” said Brueckner-Collins. “I can’t imagine a more noble endeavor in life. This is truly my calling. Certainly, my words will fall short, but today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the selection committee and the Board of Trustees for this recognition, as well as to my colleagues and students who supported the nomination. It is truly the honor of a lifetime.”
