Associate Professor Michael McCarthy awarded 2025 Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award

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Associate Professor Michael McCarthy awarded 2025 Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr Michael McCarthy receives the 2025 Crisafulli Award at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

The Crisafulli Award is considered Utica University’s finest tribute to a faculty member.

Associate Professor of Data Science Dr. Michael McCarthy was awarded the coveted Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award at the university’s 2025 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.

The Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award is bestowed annually at Utica University. Instituted in 1974 through a gift from a friend of the college, the Crisafulli Award is considered Utica University’s finest tribute to a faculty member. The recipient is chosen through nominations made by faculty colleagues and through a rigorous review by past recipients of the honor along with this year’s valedictorians.

“Dr. McCarthy is described by colleagues as a professor whose teaching exemplifies what it means to be student-centric, accommodating diverse learning styles and accessibility needs in the online classroom.,” said Provost Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt.

A senior colleague and former Crisafulli Award winner noted he was impressed by Dr. McCarthy’s ability to empower students, not through “trivial encouraging words,” but by demonstrating to them how insightful their own words and thoughts were. This colleague remarked that after this empowerment, “...students became more confident and more willing to push boundaries as they became more comfortable in their shoes” and as a member of the classroom “team.”

“He is a very personable and conscientious teacher and mentor to students,” said another faculty colleague. “In our conversations about student learning, I have come away with the impression that he is deeply committed to their success.”

A student who benefitted from having Dr. McCarthy as a mentor said in their nomination that “Dr. McCarthy willingly invests extra time to mentor students and support their learning, ensuring they grasp complex concepts while developing practical skills needed to thrive in an evolving business landscape.”

The Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award is given each year to a professor who exemplifies the highest traditions of teaching. Since teaching is our first priority at Utica University, this award is recognized as the University’s finest tribute to a faculty member. Recipients of the Crisafulli Award have demonstrated excellence in pedagogy, superior knowledge in their discipline, and a high degree of engagement in teaching-related activities such as curriculum development, research, and advising/mentoring.

“His profound impact on students, both academically and personally, is a testament to his excellence as an educator and mentor,” said another student. “I strongly and unequivocally recommend him for this distinguished recognition.”