University of Minnesota Crookston Associate Professor Venugopal ‘Venu’ Mukku, Ph.D., has been announced as a 2024-2025 recipient of the Horace T. Morse – University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education. Those who receive the award become members of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers (ADT) and the title ‘Distinguished University Teaching Professor’ (faculty) or ‘Distinguished University Teacher’ (P&A) is conferred upon recipients, plus new members will be invited to participate in ADT events and activities.
Mukku, who is the director of the UMC research lab and instructor of Organic Chemistry in the Math, Science, & Technology Department, received a one-time cash award and an awards ceremony recognizing Mukku and others was held April 7, 2025 at the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. He was nominated by Associate Professor Brian Dingmann, Ph.D.
“This award is not just about my work – it is a reflection of the amazing students, colleagues, and mentors who have shaped my journey,” said Mukku. “To my students, past and present, thank you for your curiosity, dedication, and the countless hours of problem-solving, research, and discussion. Seeing your growth and success is the most rewarding part of my work.”
“I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues and nominators who supported me through this process,” he added. “Your encouragement and collaboration have enriched my teaching and research in so many ways.”
Mukku is committed to integrating interdisciplinary undergraduate research into teaching, advancing undergraduate research across the Crookston campus, and enhancing his students’ international experiences. He developed UMC’s Center for Collaborative Research, enabling the development of new interdisciplinary courses. Mukku also advises in the health sciences program and contributes to campus belonging activities.
“I nominated Dr. Venugopal Mukku for this award because of his unwavering dedication to student success, innovative teaching, and transformative mentorship,” Dingmann shared. “His ability to inspire critical thinking, foster research excellence, and expand global learning opportunities has profoundly impacted our students and the University of Minnesota Crookston community. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions to undergraduate education.”
Since 1965, the Horace T. Morse – University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education has been awarded to recognize exceptional contributions to undergraduate education.
Previous Distinguished Teachers Morse-Alumni award winners from UMC include Dani Johannesen (2023), Harouna Maiga (2022), Timothy Dudley (2021), Rachel McCoppin (2013), Soo-Yin Lim Thompson (2011), John Loegering (2009), Philip Baird (2004), and Dan Svedarsky (1997.)
