School of Art Faculty Receive Heart and Soul Awards
Jason Brown’s Community Art Class in Spring 2024
Two School of Art professors received Heart and Soul Awards from the Faculty Senate, a new honor recognizing faculty members who foster exceptionally inclusive, respectful, and supportive climates at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Heather Coker Hawkins, an assistant professor of time-based art, and Jason Brown, a professor of sculpture, were selected for the award in fall 2024 because of their compassionate mentorship of students and dedication to supporting communities on campus and beyond.
Coker Hawkins, whose courses at the School of Art cover time-based art forms such as filmmaking and performance, said that receiving the award was a “deeply meaningful affirmation” of her intentions and efforts to make a positive impact through teaching.
“As educators, we often measure success by the growth we witness in our students, and this award reminds me that the same principles of growth and encouragement extend to our professional community,” she said. “Being recognized by my peers is incredibly encouraging, reminding me that I am among colleagues who share a commitment to compassion, dedication, and positive change.”
Brown called the award an “unexpected but deeply meaningful” recognition for his involvement in recent initiatives of the Faculty Senate’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
“I’m passionate about free speech, academic freedom, and supporting student activists who have been responding to current events and humanitarian crises,” said Brown. He has worked alongside “fantastic colleagues and students” in community engagement projects such as advocating for international peace and human rights, supporting those impacted by Hurricane Helene, and coordinating collaborative art projects about housing justice in Knoxville.
“In many respects, this peer acknowledgement of my volunteer service work in the campus community outside of my specific teaching and research responsibilities means more than most other accolades,” Brown continued. “The Heart and Soul Award inspires me to keep working every day through my art and teaching to make a better world.”
Learn about the Faculty Senate’s campus-wide healthy climate initiative here.