University Academics are awarded a lifelong salary enhancement of $10,000 alongside an annual educational fund of $5,000. Nominations from the deans of UGA’s faculties and colleges are evaluated by a panel, which then recommends to the provost.

K. Paige Carmichael
Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor
Department of Pathology
College of Veterinary Medicine

K. Paige Carmichael is dedicated to simplifying intricate subjects into understandable learning segments for her pupils.

For over two decades, Carmichael has taken on the role of course coordinator for the fundamental pathology class provided to second-year veterinary scholars. This course is delivered using an inverted classroom approach, where learners study the necessary content independently and attend class prepared to apply their acquired knowledge to problem-solving. 

Following numerous years of instructing professional students, Carmichael redirected her attention to undergraduate instruction. 

She commenced by leading a Franklin Freshman seminar, then progressed to a First-Year Odyssey course, ultimately creating one of the initial undergraduate classes at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Introduction to Disease offers a foundational overview of mammalian disease mechanisms and has gained popularity among pre-health students.

Carmichael not only developed but also directs the university’s Undergraduate Certificate in One Health, which integrates the interconnected elements of human, animal, and environmental health. To date, she has established three new undergraduate offerings for this initiative.

“She has firmly established herself as not just a skilled educator and researcher but also as a cherished colleague and friend to many. Her capability to engage with students, faculty, and staff on a personal level illustrates her dedication to nurturing a vibrant and supportive university community,” noted a colleague.

Carmichael’s contributions to the university extend well beyond her college. She has participated on the University of Georgia Athletic Association’s Board of Directors and has been part of the University Promotion and Tenure Committee, the Provost’s Advisory Committee, and the President’s Faculty Advisory Committee, among various other roles. Currently, she holds the position of co-director for the Teaching Academy Fellows Program. 

Carmichael has been recognized with the Faculty Service Award and has held titles such as Service Learning Fellow, Aspire Fellow, Senior Teaching Fellow, and Lilly Teaching Fellow.

“Throughout my 30 years at UGA, I’ve embarked on an extraordinary journey driven by passion, commitment, and a strong belief in the transformative potential of education,” Carmichael expressed.

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Jessica Kissinger
Distinguished Research Professor
Department of Genetics
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Jessica Kissinger regards herself as a part of a tapestry that embodies the essence of UGA.

She represents one strand, yet also one among many artisans engaged in both the local pattern and the broader tapestry narrative.

Kissinger was instrumental in founding the Institute of Bioinformatics (IOB), helping to intertwine life sciences and computing. She directed the institute from 2011 to 2019, recruiting eight new faculty members. 

Currently, the institute encompasses four colleges and hosts over 45 graduate students. This institute consolidates the efforts in genomics and bioinformatics on the UGA campus while providing graduate-level education in this distinctive blend of bioinformatics, computational biology, and genome science. Graduate students are integrated into laboratories that specialize in both bioinformatics and bench science.

Kissinger continues to pioneer educational innovations as well. She has introduced several new courses that bring computing and data management frameworks to audiences who typically do not engage with these methodologies. These include a data management course designed for Integrated Life Sciences graduate students and a class focusing on scientific rigor and reproducibility tailored for students in genetics.

“She merits recognition for her research achievements, her leadership in bioinformatics at UGA and globally, and her mentorship of the forthcoming generation of evolutionary scientists in biological databases and their applications,” wrote one colleague. “She has guided a new worldwide generation in the utilization of these bioinformatics resources.”

Her contributions to the university reach far beyond the academic setting. Kissinger has participated in the Goldwater Selection Committee since 2015 and was a member of the Provost’s Working Group on Centers and Institutes. She has served on the USG Health Informatics Alliance and is presently part of the UGA Data Management Advisory Council and its subcommittee. Moreover, she has held positions as both an SEC and Women’s Leadership Faculty Fellow.

Kissinger is a Fulbright U.S. Scholar and has obtained multiple grants to advance her research, boasting over 150 publications. 

“I believe I have played a pivotal and innovative role, with the backing of many, in shaping the research, resources, and educational fabric at UGA,” Kissinger stated.

The article 2025 University Professors first appeared on UGA Today.