This is a Fitchburg State University Alert: Due to inclement weather, the university will be closed Monday, Feb. 23, and both day and evening classes are canceled.
Established in 1989 by the Alumni Association to honor former university President Vincent J. Mara, this award recognizes faculty who have contributed with distinction to the university’s mission of providing superior undergraduate teaching. Awardees have demonstrated a sustained excellence in teaching, a notable impact on student learning, and a dedication to innovative instruction. The recipients are the foundation of the university’s quest to educate future generations.
All full-time, tenured members, who have served a minimum of 10 years as a Fitchburg State University faculty member, are eligible to receive the $3,000 award and citation presented annually at a recognition ceremony in September.
Nominate an Outstanding Professor
All alumni, faculty, librarians, staff, and students are encouraged to submit a nomination. Nominations should be in the form of a letter addressed to the Vincent J. Mara Award Selection Committee and sent to alumni@fitchburgstate.edu. Nomination letters must include a brief statement of rationale for the nomination and should emphasize the nominee's excellence in teaching. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Nominations must be submitted to alumni@fitchburgstate.edu
- Nominations are due by March 9, 2026
For questions concerning full-time or tenure status, please contact humanresources@fitchburgstate.edu.
Nominees will be notified of their nomination and must electronically submit their materials no later than April 10, 2026.
Selection Criteria
- Professional practice
- Student or alumni evaluation
- Community engagement
- Advocacy for the profession
- Scholarship and research
- Commitment to the campus community
Selection Committee
- President of the Alumni Association
- Director of Alumni Relations
- Student Government Association representative
- A member of the Mara family
- All past Mara Award recipients who are currently teaching at Fitchburg State University
Honorees
- 2025 - Christopher Picone
- 2024 - Monica Maldari
- 2023 - Jannette McMenamy
- 2022 - Kisha Tracy
- 2021 - Elizabeth Gordon
- 2020 - Paul Weizer
- 2019 - Randy Howe
- 2018 - Beth Walsh
- 2017 - Kelly Morgan
- 2016 - Meledath Govindan
- 2015 - Benjamin Railton
- 2014 - Sean Goodlett
- 2013 - Joshua Spero
- 2012 - George Bohrer
- 2011 - Howard Thomas
- 2010 - Jane Fiske
- 2009 - Christine Cosgrove
- 2008 - Peter Laytin
- 2007 - John Paul
- 2006 - Eric Budd
- 2005 - Gerald Higdon
- 2004 - Louis Zivic
- 2003 - Barbara Cammuso
- 2002 - Thomas Battinelli
- 2001 - Maria Jaramillo
- 2000 - Andrea Wallen
- 1999 - Edmund Thomas
- 1998 - Lee Cunningham
- 1997 - Robert Champlin