Byler Faculty Award Recognizes Professor Yao’s Commitment to Education

From left, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tim Crowley, Byler Award recipient Dr. Yuankun Yao
and President Roger Best.

 

Recognized for his dedication as a leader, collaborator and educator, Yuankun Yao, Ph.D., is the recipient of the 2025 Byler Distinguished Faculty Award at the University of Central Missouri (UCM).

The Byler Award is considered the highest university recognition for faculty members. It is presented each spring in honor of its namesake, William H. Byler, an inventor, author and teacher who graduated from UCM in 1927 with a major in chemistry and physics. He established an endowment fund to provide annual recognition for distinguished faculty performance, evidenced by teaching, scholarly or creative activity and professional-related service.

“It’s a joy for us to be able to recognize Dr. Yao today for his many accomplishments but also his service to the University of Central Missouri and, more importantly, to his students,” UCM President Roger Best said during a reception Monday, April 21 in the Elliott Student Union. “One of the benefits of this position is that I have the pleasure of hearing regularly how great our faculty are from our students and alumni. I’ve heard many things about Dr. Yao over the years and his great teaching and his support for students. We’re so proud of Dr. Yao and what he means to us on a personal level and to this institution.”

Colleagues at UCM said Yao exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator, researcher, and professional. He joined UCM in 2003 as an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, ascending the ranks to associate professor in 2008 and professor in 2013. He is currently a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations and Literacy, coordinator of the Master of Arts in Teaching and coordinator of the Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction.

His journey as an educator is characterized by continuous growth and a commitment to refining his teaching practices. Yao has spent time observing middle and high school classrooms to enhance his understanding of assessment strategies, which he integrated into his courses. He has also continued attending workshops and earning certifications to further his learning. Yao’s ongoing efforts have contributed to a positive student learning experience.

His commitment to education includes his own scholarly achievements, including a strong record of publications in reputable educational journals and books, with a focus on educational assessment and teacher education. Yao has also contributed to the academic publishing community through peer review and editorial roles. He has also presented extensively at national, regional and international conferences and has been involved in several professional organizations.

Yao has played a role in serving UCM beyond his role as a professor.

At the university level, he has served on Faculty Senate committees as both a member and a co-chair. At the college level, he has been deeply involved in strategic initiatives, tenure and promotion processes, and accreditation efforts. He served as chair of the College of Education Tenure and Promotion Committee twice and as president of the Faculty Assembly. He has led curriculum development at the department level, chaired multiple search committees, and coordinated assessment efforts for a decade.

Yao has received numerous awards while at UCM, including the Distinguished Faculty Award for the College of Education in 2017-18 and the Governor’s Excellence in Education Award in 2018-19.

“Receiving the Byler Distinguished Faculty Award feels less like an individual honor and more like a collective milestone, one made possible by the patience, wisdom and trust of so many here today,” Yao said at the reception, taking time to thank his family, colleagues, administrators, mentors and students. “It is a privilege to be part of a community that takes as much pride in one another’s light as in its own. At UCM, we don’t just coexist, we choose to lift one another up. That makes this place extraordinary, and to be recognized with this award is a humbling reminder of the excellence that we strive for together. Thank you for letting me be part of this exceptional academic family.”

Colleagues who wrote in support of Yao’s nomination said he is a remarkable force for leadership, problem-solving and community building through his service. College of Education faculty members see Yao as a true leader and an excellent research partner. He frequently collaborates closely with other faculty members, including established professionals and newer educators, which helps them develop as quality scholars in their own right.

Over the years, students have also praised Yao’s passion and dedication. Courses on research and assessment can seem daunting, yet Yao injects humor, relevance and structure into his classes to encourage student confidence. Through course evaluations, students noted their professor had high standards and expectations, but he paired that with clear, concise and knowledgeable instruction. Numerous students said Yao was always available to answer questions or offer support, and more than one mentioned his willingness to assist them over the weekend.

Yao earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and his Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics and Teaching Methodology, both from Tsinghua University in China. He earned a Ph.D. in Education Administration, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Yao will be recognized and offer brief remarks during the graduate commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. May 10 in the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. He was also recognized during the UCM Board of Governors meeting on April 24 and will deliver the keynote address at Freshman Convocation on Aug. 15.

Amber Clifford-Napoleone, Ph.D., professor of Anthropology, and Chen Zhou, Ph.D., professor of Chemistry, were also nominated for the Byler Award.