Chancellor Receives A&S Humanities Teaching Award

Julia Chancellor, Instructor I of Spanish in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages and Literatures, has received the College of Arts & Sciences 2026 Teaching Award in the Humanities.

Chancellor’s teaching centers on helping students see language as something meaningful beyond the classroom. She aims for students to leave her courses with “a love and appreciation for the Spanish language and culture” and the motivation to continue studying it, recognizing the many opportunities it can provide.

She credits her connection with students as one of the most rewarding parts of her work. “Each semester is different,” Chancellor said. “I love the challenge of meeting students for the first time and introducing them to a new language and exposing them to culture and ideas and people that they possibly know little about.” Her classrooms bring together students from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Chancellor also emphasizes the broader value of language study in today’s world. She noted that learning another language helps students expand their perspectives while also opening doors professionally. “It’s very important that they study other languages and cultures so they can expand their world views,” she said, adding that these skills are increasingly tied to job opportunities.

Her path to teaching began early, inspired both by her own curiosity and by real-world experiences. After seeing firsthand the communication barriers between her father and a Spanish-speaking employee, she was motivated to study Spanish and later pursue a career in teaching. She also credits a former teacher, Dr. Rosa Vozzo, Instructor II, for shaping her approach through “enthusiasm, dynamic teaching, and knowledge of Spanish and culture.”

One of her most memorable teaching moments reflects her long-term impact. A student who initially enrolled just to fulfill a requirement discovered a passion for Spanish, continued through advanced coursework, studied abroad, and eventually moved to Spain.

Today, that former student is pursuing a PhD in Spanish and remains in touch with Chancellor, even supporting current MSU students studying abroad.