Schools

NOVA-Annandale Teacher Wins Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence

Reva A. Savkar, an associate professor of chemistry at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale campus, was chosen for her efforts in the chemistry and computer science fields.

A Northern Virginia Community College associate professor has been named the 2013 Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE). 

Reva A. Savkar, who teaches chemistry at the NOVA-Annandale Campus, was recognized by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) for "representing the teaching excellence found at VCCS colleges."

As the recipient of the annual award, Savkar also wins a $5,000 check and a ceremonial stole to wear with her traditional graduation regalia.

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“The backbone of any great institution is its faculty, and in Reva Savkar, we have a professor who embodies all the wonderful qualities that makes a great teacher,” said Dr. Robert G. Templin, Jr., NOVA’s president in a statement from NOVA. “Throughout the years, she has demonstrated a commitment to teaching excellence by being student-focused, innovative in the classroom and enthusiastic about her work."

This is the second consecutive year that a professor from NOVA has won the award. Callan Bentley, an assistant professor of geology at the Annandale Campus, received the CATE award in 2012.

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Savkar's career at NOVA started in 1974 when she was hired as an adjunct faculty member. During her time at at NOVA, she has taught both chemistry and computer science courses. Additionally Savkar developed the first online chemistry course in 1995 as part of a grant through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

In the last 17 years, she has received teaching awards from NOVA’s Student Government Association, Educational Foundation and Alumni Federation, and she was selected for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.

Savkar received her bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics, as well as a master’s degree in organic chemistry, from the Institute of Science in Mumbai, India. She also earned a master’s degree in computer science from Virginia Tech.

Savkar will be presented with the award next month at the annual meeting of the State Board for Community Colleges in Richmond, Va.

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