The 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards: Savannah Robin

Each Wednesday this summer, UKNow is highlighting a winner of the University of Kentucky’s 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards, given by the Office for Faculty Advancement and the Office of the Provost.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 22, 2026) — Savannah Robin, Ed.D., lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), is among 10 educators honored with the University of Kentucky's 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards.

These awards identify and recognize UK faculty and graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate special dedication to student achievement. Recipients were selected through a nomination process and reviewed by a selection committee from the UK Office for Faculty Advancement and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.

Robin teaches courses across the Martin-Gatton CAFE, contributing to nine undergraduate courses spanning agricultural economics, equine science and management, agricultural leadership and introductory agriculture, food and environment curricula.

Her teaching emphasizes learner-centered instruction, encouraging students to think critically, solve problems and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Robin has contributed to curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities and leadership programming that prepare students for careers across agriculture, food and environmental fields.

As part of this summer series, UKNow connected with Robin to learn more about her experience and approach to teaching.

UKNow: How would you describe your area of expertise (to a broad audience) and why is the work important right now?

Robin: My education, professional experiences and scholarly background are rooted in leadership, career and technical education, and agricultural education. I have always been passionate about equipping students with the critical skills needed to succeed in their chosen industries, with much of my work focused on developing employability skills alongside discipline-specific knowledge.

At the University of Kentucky, I've had the opportunity to contribute to student learning in several meaningful ways. One has been through curriculum development and instructional design for introductory Agriculture, Food and Environment courses, creating engaging learning experiences that help students understand the interconnectedness of these industries, explore their interests and envision their future roles within them.

I've also been fortunate to serve within the Equine Science and Management program, where I help students build career readiness throughout their academic journeys. From teaching introductory courses focused on equine careers to leading experiential learning initiatives and coordinating internships, my work centers on connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences.

More recently, I've drawn on my background in leadership education to support programs like the Agricultural Leadership Certificate and the Martin-Gatton Student Leadership Academy. These initiatives help students develop the leadership skills needed to create positive change within their professions, communities and the agriculture, food and environment industries.

UKNow: What core principles guide your approach to teaching, and how do those show up in your classroom or learning environments?

Robin: My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that the culture of a classroom is its most important element. I strive to create an environment where every student is valued for their unique perspectives and empowered to become their best self.

I view the classroom as a community where students support one another rather than compete. Building honest relationships, treating students with respect and extending grace allows them to engage more fully in the learning process. Ultimately, I see my role as a champion for every student, helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to become leaders and change-makers.

UKNow: Can you share a moment, inside or outside the classroom, that affirmed the value of your work as an educator?

Robin: It's difficult to point to just one moment because every student has a different story. Their growth and success continually remind me why this work matters.

Some of the most rewarding moments come when students ask thoughtful questions, make meaningful connections or begin to recognize the impact they can have on the world. I often tell my students that I'm not focused only on how they feel today. I hope they'll look back five or 10 years from now and realize how what they learned shaped their careers and lives.

UKNow: What do you hope your students take with them after they leave your courses?

Robin: I hope they leave knowing their worth isn't defined by a résumé, a grade or any external measure of success. Their value comes from who they are as people.

I also hope they leave empowered to make a difference in whatever field they choose by thinking critically, discerning information thoughtfully, building collaborative relationships and seeking opportunities to solve problems and create positive change.

UKNow: What does receiving the Outstanding Teaching Award mean to you?

Robin: I was incredibly honored to be considered for this award, let alone be selected as a recipient. Knowing that my peers and students recognize the passion I bring to my work each day means so much to me.

I believe God put me on this earth to love people, and I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to do that every day through this career alongside such outstanding students and colleagues.