W&L’s I’Anson Receives SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award

By Drewry Sackett
February 19, 2019

“Helen I’Anson is without question exemplary of the teacher-scholar model at Washington and Lee.”

Helen I’Anson, John T. Perry Professor of Biology and Research Science at Washington and Lee University, has received a 2019 Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Since 1987, the Outstanding Faculty Awards have recognized faculty at Virginia’s institutions of higher learning who exemplify the highest standards of teaching, scholarship and service.

“Helen I’Anson is without question exemplary of the teacher-scholar model at Washington and Lee,” said W&L Provost Marc Conner. “Her work as a dedicated teacher of science and as a recognized scholar in her field is impressive, yet she goes beyond this in her leadership of major university initiatives, such as the IQ Center, the HHMI program, and the Advanced Research Cohort (ARC) and Advanced Immersion and Mentoring (AIM) projects.”

I’Anson, who joined the W&L faculty in 1995, has taught 14 different courses, primarily in physiology and neuroscience. She served as chair of the biology department for six years and is currently serving as acting department chair. She was the primary author and director of two Howard Hughes Medical Institute grants awarded to the university.

In addition to her instrumental roles in the development of the IQ Center, and the ARC and AIM programs, she also serves as the HHMI program director and St. Andrews University Biology Program coordinator. She has demonstrated a commitment to making science accessible to all students, including non-majors, through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences.

“Helen is dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our students within the sciences and across the university, and she works tirelessly to enrich the learning experience for every W&L student,” said Conner. “She has immersed herself in many major university-wide projects and her contributions to Washington and Lee have been profound and transformative.”

I’Anson has published 32 research articles in refereed journals, often in conjunction with undergraduate students, and has made 55 presentations at national and international science meetings.

She holds a B.S. in botany and zoology from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, U.K.; a Graduate Education Certificate from the University of Reading, U.K; and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

I’Anson will receive her award at a ceremony and luncheon on March 7 at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

SCHEV is Virginia’s coordinating agency for higher education. With The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, SCHEV is dedicated to making Virginia the best-educated state by 2030. For more on The Virginia Plan, see schev.edu/TheVirginiaPlan.

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