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We are proud to announce Dr. Kenneth Donnelly, Teaching Associate Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, has received the William C. Friday Award for Excellence in Teaching.  

This article was originally posted by the Office of the Provost. The full length version of the article, which includes all the teaching award recipients, can be found here.


The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Office of the Provost annually recognizes outstanding educators through the University Teaching Awards. These awards honor faculty and graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Kenneth Donnelly

As stated by the Office of the Provost, Dr. Donnelly is a transformative educator whose approach prepares students for both academic and professional success. His classroom is more than a space for lectures; it is an incubator for innovation, creativity, and professional growth. One student described their experience in BMME210 Sophomore Design as “the most life-changing class I took. The impact Kenny has had on the arc of my life cannot be overstated.”

Dr. Donnelly’s teaching philosophy blends technical excellence with essential life and professional skills. He fosters an environment where students learn to confidently present their ideas, collaborate effectively, and navigate the complexities of biomedical engineering. Another student remarked that Dr. Donnelly’s classroom was incredibly influential in “its ability to foster life skills, independence, and leadership.” His focus on hands-on, real-world applications ensures that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but are also prepared to excel in the medical device field.

Dr. Donnelly’s impact extends beyond the classroom, including leading transformative global experiences. During a study abroad program in Scotland, he created collaborative environments in makerspaces, allowing students to develop solutions while navigating cultural and logistical challenges. One student noted his ability to adapt quickly, saying, “At the end of the program, three people contracted COVID. Dr. Donnelly acted super quickly to rearrange rooms, reformulate curriculum, reorganize plans, and somehow end the program flawlessly despite the entire plan being obliterated.”

His dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his proactive engagement with student feedback and his commitment to staying current with industry trends. One nomination highlighted his exceptional ability to integrate evolving professional standards into the curriculum, noting, “When students take courses with Dr. Donnelly, they learn more than just engineering content—they learn how to create an inviting and collaborative environment, lead by example, and conduct themselves in a professional medical device development setting.”

Through his tireless efforts, Dr. Donnelly has become a beacon of excellence in teaching, mentorship, and professional preparation. As one student aptly summarized, “He is an incredible treasure to all of his students—past, present, and future.”

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