For outstanding scholarly or artistic accomplishment
Nancy Batson Nisbet Rash was the Lucy C. McDannel '22 Professor of Art History and taught at Connecticut College from 1972 to 1995. She was known for her energy and vibrancy, for the encouragement and support she gave her students, and for her love of art and of life.
Professor Rash's scholarship, which often focused on the role politics plays in art history, was outstanding. She was an exceptional teacher, scholar and campus leader. Professor Rash received her bachelor's degree in 1962 from Radcliffe College, a master's degree in 1965 and a Ph.D. in 1971 from Bryn Mawr College. She served as chair of Connecticut College's art history department from 1980-84 and 1987-93.
The award named in Professor Rash's honor provides a research fund to be presented annually to a member of the faculty for outstanding scholarly or artistic accomplishments. It was established in her memory by her father, General Dillman Rash, and her husband, Frank Turner, John Hay Whitney Professor of History at Yale University and a Connecticut College trustee.
Recipients of the Rash Award are:
2024: Maria Cruz-Saco, economics
2023: Jeff Moher, psychology
2022: David Dorfman, dance
2021: Catherine M. Stock, history
2020: Michelle Dunlap, human development
2019: Ann S. Devlin, psychology
2018: Sunil Bhatia, human development
2017: Derek Turner, philosophy
2016: Martha Grossel, biology
2015: Gene Gallagher, religious studies
2014: Gary Parker, computer science
2013: Joan C. Chrisler, psychology
2012: Alex Roberto Hybel, government/international relations
2011: Jennifer Fredricks, human development
2010: Timo Ovaska, chemistry
2009: Abigail Van Slyck, art history, architectural studies
2008: Jefferson Singer, psychology
2007: Marc Forster, history
2006: John Gordon, English
2005: Marc Zimmer, chemistry
2004: Lindsey Harlan, religious studies
2003: W. John Coats, government
2002: Bruce Branchini, chemistry
2001: Bruce Kirmmse, history
2000: Robert Askins, biology
1999: Garrett Green, religious studies
1998: Peter Siver, botany
1997: Janet Gezari, English
1996: Frederick Paxton, history