CHESS’s Oscar Lansen earns 2026 UNC Charlotte Teaching Excellence Award
Oscar Lansen, teaching professor of history in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, has been named the recipient of UNC Charlotte’s 2026 Award for Teaching Excellence for teaching-focused faculty.
The university’s highest honor for teaching recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning, instructional innovation and academic excellence. Lansen was honored Sept. 24 alongside David Thaddeus, professor of architecture, who received the award in the tenured faculty category.
The award marks a significant achievement for both Lansen and CHESS, continuing the college’s tradition of excellence in teaching and fostering student success.
“As a historian, I know how difficult it can be to truly capture a students’ imagination while teaching this subject,” said Chris Boyer, dean of the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences. “Oscar’s selection for this award is a testament to the extraordinary impact he has on students, colleagues and the broader UNC Charlotte community. His creativity, dedication and commitment to helping students become critical thinkers have transformed the educational experiences of countless students.”
Lansen follows the winners of the UNC Charlotte Award for Teaching Excellence from 2025, who are both from CHESS. William “Bill” Graves professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences and Susana Cisneros, senior lecturer of Spanish in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Translation, won for the tenure and teaching-focused categories, respectively.
For decades, Lansen has challenged students to move beyond memorizing historical facts and instead engage as active investigators of the past. His courses emphasize inquiry, collaboration and hands-on learning, helping students develop the analytical and communication skills needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
“Oscar is a highly original and innovative instructor,” said Amanda Pipkin, chair of the Department of History. “From visual analysis to experiential learning to team teaching and learning, he has set new standards for innovative teaching practices in a field long dominated by lecture courses.”
A nationally respected scholar of history pedagogy, Lansen has been instrumental in advancing innovative teaching practices at UNC Charlotte. His work has helped shape courses and programs that encourage active learning, foster student engagement and expand access to educational opportunities.
Beyond his classroom contributions, Lansen has played a significant leadership role across the university. He has served as co-chair of Commencement, chaired and served on numerous academic committees and helped develop initiatives that support student success and community engagement. His efforts also have expanded access to high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad opportunities for students with financial need.
When announced as a finalist earlier this year, colleagues praised Lansen’s ability to reimagine history education through innovative approaches that encourage students to become active participants in their own learning.
In addition to Lansen’s recognition, communication studies faculty members Erin Basinger and Sayde Brais were named finalists for this year’s awards, while Debra Smith, associate professor Africana Studies, received an honorable mention.
Together, the honors reflect the College’s deep commitment to creating transformative educational experiences that prepare students to think critically, engage thoughtfully and make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions.
Read more about UNC Charlotte’s 2026 Teaching Excellence Award recipients and finalists.