At its most recent commencement ceremony, LSU Health Shreveport recognized three standout faculty members with the university system’s most prestigious teaching honor in Medicine, the Allen A. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award.
This annual award, established in 1997 is named after the late Dr. Allen A. Copping, former Chancellor of LSU Medical Center and President of the LSU System. These awards celebrate the educators who are uniquely gifted in imparting knowledge, possess a lifelong quest for discovery and who lead by example in fostering a sense of caring and compassion into the next generation of healthcare providers. These recipients represent the very best of LSU Health Shreveport’s three schools: Medicine, Graduate Studies and Allied Health Professions. All were nominated by students and are chosen by a committee of colleagues and students strictly based on their academic teaching. The award is a hallmark of the LSU System, awarded annually at both LSU Health Shreveport and LSU Health New Orleans.
Glenn Mills, MD – School of Medicine Recipient
Dr. Glenn Mills, Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hematology Oncology and Emeritus Director of Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, was recognized for transforming the way students see medicine and life. One student nominator wrote, “His passion for travel and zest for life showed us that being a doctor could be an adventure, not just a profession. The explanation of intricate concepts was delivered with such simplicity that even the most challenging subjects became understandable.” Dr. Mills is widely regarded as a master clinician and educator whose influence at LSU Health Shreveport spans decades, shaping cancer care and internal medicine training across the region.
Kevin S. Murnane, PHD – School of Graduate Studies Recipient
For Dr. Kevin Murnane, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, as well as Associate Professor of Psychiatry, the classroom is just the beginning. “One of the hallmarks of his teaching is his ability to engage students with a thoughtful manner at the level of the student,” a student nominator shared. “His teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that education extends beyond the classroom. As Director of Basic Science Research for the Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Dr. Murnane fuses cutting-edge science with compassionate teaching to help us firmly grasp the concepts being taught and their impact in caring for our patients.”
Sandra Hayes, SLPD, CCC-SLP – School of Allied Health Professions Recipient
Dr. Sandra Hayes, Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Communication Disorders, is known for her deep compassion and unparalleled commitment to her students. “It’s obvious that she loves her job, her students and her clients,” stated one of her student nominees. “She is kind, she listens intentionally, and she is eager to guide others in how to be the best clinician they can be.” Her influence reaches far beyond lectures. As a leader in speech-language pathology, Dr. Hayes is molding clinicians who are not only technically skilled but also cognizant of the importance of their personal approach to delivering care.
For more information on the Allen A. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award, please visit https://www.lsuhs.edu/our-schools/faculty/awards