JMU professor receives Sun Belt Conference Faculty award  

James Madison University physics and astronomy professor and director of the John C. Wells Planetarium, Geary Albright, has been awarded the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Faculty of the Year Award. 

The annual award, bestowed upon one faculty member from the entire conference, recognizes a professor who has a passion for teaching, engaging and inspiring students while also supporting and displaying enthusiasm for student-athletes and the athletics department. 

Fourteen Sun Belt Conference institutions nominated a Faculty Member of the Year finalist from the 2023-24 academic year. Conference representatives, directors and members of the Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee voted to select the overall recipient. The conference initiated the Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year Award in 2019. 

According to the award citation, Albright employs a student-centered approach in his classes, using hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for all students. He actively accommodates student-athletes’ busy schedules, demonstrating his dedication to their academic and athletic success.  

“I’m incredibly honored that my students valued my class enough to nominate me, let alone that I won. I strive to bring positive energy to my teaching and share my love of science with them,” Albright said. 

Matt Roan, JMU director of Athletics, emphasized the importance of faculty support in fostering student-athlete success and how Albright exemplifies this commitment. 

“Dr. Albright epitomizes that ideal relationship with his support and trust,” Roan said. “He sees our student-athletes not just as athletes, but as young people seeking success in all their endeavors. That’s what makes JMU special.”