Zubov earns UNC Board of Governor’s Teaching Award

Winston-Salem State University Professor Lynne Roche Zubov is the winner of the 2021 Board of Governors Teaching Award. This prestigious award is given once a year to one faculty member at each of the 16 North Carolina public universities and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. The award recognizes the tremendous contributions faculty members make to the advancement of public education.

Zubov was nominated by a special committee at WSSU, and then selected by the Board of Governors Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs. Each of the winners will receive a commemorative bronze medallion and a generous cash prize.

Dr. Zubov has been a faculty member in the Education Department at WSSU for the past 21 years. She is currently serving as professor of education, coordinator of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and coordinator of the Special Education track of the Bachelor of Science in Teaching. Zubov has been a life-long educator, starting her career as a classroom teacher in New York City, New York, working with special needs students.

Zubov has had noted success training WSSU’s teaching aspirants. Her teaching philosophy has been the basis of her achievements. She believes the primary goals of education are to empower individuals and improve our society. She feels that through education, whether formal or informal, individuals live more productive and self-satisfying lives. For Zubov, teaching is grounded in the understanding that learning is a social endeavor, and that students must be actively engaged in their learning.

"I am an educator. I started as a camp counselor working with individuals with disabilities, then became a teacher’s assistant and ended up a college professor. Who would have thought? This award is truly the pinnacle of my career. I am humbled and honored to be nominated by my peers," said Zubov.

Zubov’s colleagues also tout her fervor for education. "Dr. Zubov has established an unwavering legacy here at WSSU. She brings a passion that excites students and pushes them to think critically about what it means to become an effective educator," said Dr. Frank Ingram, interim associate provost academic planning and administration.

"Dr. Zubov has been a pillar of success here at WSSU. We are so very proud of her noteworthy accomplishments. She is the embodiment of the values and beliefs that we work to instill in our students and is highly deserving of this recognition," said chancellor Elwood Robinson.