John S. Diekhoff Award

For Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring

The John S. Diekhoff Award is presented to four full-time faculty members who make exemplary contributions to the education and development of graduate students at Case Western Reserve University. The award was created in honor of John Diekhoff, who served in several capacities during his tenure here. From 1956 to 1970, he served as professor of English, chair of the Department of English, dean of Cleveland College, acting dean of the School of Graduate Studies and vice provost of the university.

In 1978, the university created the award to recognize outstanding contributions to the education of graduate students through advising, mentoring, and classroom teaching. Initially, the award was presented to full-time faculty members who serve as outstanding teachers to graduate students, connect them with experts in their discipline, engage them academically, and actively promote their professional development. In 2009, the award was expanded to recognize full-time faculty members who excel in the mentoring of graduate students. Up to four winners will be chosen annually for excellence in teaching and/or mentoring. 

The award is sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies. A committee of graduate students reviews the nominations and recommends the winners.

Join the Diekhoff Committee! We are looking for motivated Graduate Studies students interested in contributing to the selection of this year's John S. Diekhoff Awards for faculty excellence in graduate teaching and mentoring. Committee applications for the 25-26 academic year are closed.

Review the criteria for nominating faculty. Faculty nominations for the 25-26 academic year are closed.

We are pleased to announce the 2025-26 faculty nominees:

2025 Winners

	Elizabeth Damato- Physiology and Biophysics Read The Daily to learn more about what drives Dr. Damato's passion for education.
	David Mattheisen- Materials Science and Engineering Read The Daily to learn more about Dr. Mattheisen's student-centered approach to pedagogy.
	Sarah Bagby - Biology  Read The Daily to find out more about how Dr. Bagby encourages her graduate students to ask questions
	Divita Mathur - Chemistry  Read The Daily to find out more about Dr. Mathur's mentoring philosophy

See the list of all prior winners for the John S. Diekhoff Awards.