Marshall Eakin, professor of history, is the recipient of the 2016 Vanderbilt Alumni Education Award.
The Vanderbilt University Alumni Association Board of Directors selected Eakin for his significant contributions to educational programming as a speaker for Commodore Classrooms and the Vanderbilt Travel program.
Board member Tim Warnock, BA’84, presented the award to Eakin April 5 during a surprise visit to a Latin American Studies class. Lauren Benton, dean of the College of Arts and Science, Joel Harrington, Centennial Professor of History, Jane Landers, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of History, Graham Stewart, associate vice chancellor for Alumni Relations, Cary Allyn, director, Vanderbilt Travel Program, and Lauren Duncan, Alumni Board member, were also in attendance.
“After the U.S. and Cuba restored diplomatic relations in 2015, Eakin provided insight into Cuba’s future during Commodore Classrooms held in three cities,” says Warnock. “He also enriched the experience for Vanderbilt Travel Program participants in Brazil.”
This is the second time Eakin has received the Alumni Education Award, a testament to his long history of supporting educational programs for the Alumni Association.
Eakin began teaching at Vanderbilt in 1983 and became the faculty director of the Ingram Scholarship Program in August 2009. He has taught a wide variety of courses in history and Latin American studies at all levels from first-year to Ph.D. students. He is the recipient of two Fulbright-Hayes fellowships, multiple grants and numerous teaching and advising awards.
The Vanderbilt Alumni Association Board of Directors has chosen a faculty member for this honor each year since 1982. He was given a cash prize and a silver tray.