Left to right: William R. Van Buren, Chair of the VFIC, Professor Sara Hanson, and UR President Kevin F. Hallock
Marketing professor Sara Hanson (center) received an award for Excellence in Instructional Technology Award at the 2024 VFIC Harris Family Faculty Awards Luncheon and Program at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, Virginia. President Kevin F. Hallock (right) presented Hanson’s award. They are pictured with William R. Van Buren, III, chair of the VFIC.

University of Richmond Marketing Professor Sara Hanson Receives State Award for Excellence in Teaching Technology

November 12, 2024

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Sara Hanson, associate professor of marketing and director of the Spider Business Hub, has been awarded the H. Hiter Harris III Excellence in Instructional Technology Award from the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. 

The Excellence in Instructional Technology Award is presented to a faculty member who shows innovation in integrating technology into their undergraduate teaching practices. One faculty member from across VFIC’s 17 institutions receives this award, which includes financial support of their future research or professional development.

Through the Spider Business Hub, Hanson connects students with local companies to solve real-world problems relevant to their coursework. Through these projects, she incorporates technology to teach valuable career skills including project management, data collection, marketing research, and the ethical use of generative AI.

“Recognizing that today’s students, who are digital natives, will encounter numerous software programs and innovative technologies in their future careers, Hanson emphasizes hands-on learning with current and relevant technology tools,” said Joan Saab, executive vice president and provost. “Her dedication to integrating technology into her teaching practices significantly enhances the educational experience of students.”

Hanson, who joined UR’s Robins School of Business faculty in 2016, was previously a recipient of the VFIC Mednick Fellowship Award for her scholarly research on consumer psychology and marketing strategy.

“Dedication to technology is critical to teaching undergraduates,” said Hanson. “By introducing students to relevant and timely technological tools, I hope to encourage them to learn independently and prepare them for their future careers.”

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