main content Satomi Newsom Named 2025 Teacher of the Year

Each year, the Pamplin Society of Fellows, Lewis & Clark’s undergraduate honors society, bestows the Teacher of the Year Award to one professor. The award aims to honor undergraduate faculty members that go above and beyond the duties of their position to enrich student learning. This year, the honor went to Satomi Newsome, instructor of Japanese and Japanese section head.

“Satomi has inspired students through her dedication, passion, and excellence in teaching,” Pamplin Society of Fellows Director and Administrative Coordinator for Art and Asian Studies Alison Walcott said. “Her commitment to student success and her dynamic contributions to the academic life of our college have truly set her apart.”

The Teacher of the Year Award is entirely driven in all aspects by undergraduate students. A call is issued in early March for students at the college to write nomination letters for faculty members that have played a dynamic role in students’ academic lives. These letters are then reviewed by a student selection committee.

The other faculty finalists for the award included:

• Kim Cameron-Domínguez, assistant professor of Anthropology
• Anna Miromanova, assistant professor of Economics
• Magalí Rabasa, assistant professor of Hispanic Studies and director of Ethnic Studies
• Liz Stanhope, professor of Mathematical Sciences
• Tamily Weissman-Unni, professor of Biology and department chair

“We are proud to have such exceptional educators among our faculty, and this year’s finalists exemplify the very best of our academic community,” Walcott said. “Please join me in celebrating Satomi on this well-deserved honor, and in thanking both finalists for their extraordinary work.”