2026 Oliver Johnson Award Recipients
Professor Robert Horwitz
Robert Horwitz, professor emeritus of communication at UC San Diego, has devoted more than four decades to distinguished scholarship and service across the University of California. A political sociologist, his work focuses on democracy, communication, and political reform.
His Academic Senate service has been both extensive and influential at campus and systemwide levels. At UC San Diego, he served multiple terms as department chair, contributed significantly to undergraduate education, and chaired the Committee on Academic Personnel. As vice chair and chair of the UC San Diego Academic Senate (2017–19), he advanced initiatives in faculty welfare, academic planning, and shared governance, including the development of new colleges and the School of Public Health.
He later served as vice chair and chair of the systemwide Academic Senate (2020–22) and as Faculty Representative to the Regents. During this time, he helped guide the university through pandemic-related challenges, transfer reform efforts, climate initiatives, and the defense of academic freedom. Known for his thoughtful, collaborative leadership, he consistently brought stakeholders together to achieve meaningful results.
Professor Adrienne Lavine
Adrienne Lavine, professor emerita of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UCLA, has built a distinguished career marked by leadership in faculty governance, undergraduate education, and innovation in teaching and learning. She served as vice chair and chair of the UCLA Academic Senate (2004–06), earning respect for her principled, inclusive leadership and her ability to elevate faculty perspectives in major university decisions.
Her contributions to admissions policy have been especially impactful. As chair of the UCLA Committee on Admissions and Relations with Schools (2016–17) and a member of the systemwide Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools, she helped guide equity-focused, thoughtful approaches to undergraduate admissions during critical periods.
Lavine has also played a transformative role in advancing teaching at UCLA. Since 2017, as Associate Vice Provost for the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, she has strengthened collaboration among faculty, Senate committees, and administration while expanding professional development and inclusive teaching practices. She led the Holistic Evaluation of Teaching initiative, developing a widely adopted framework that broadens how teaching is assessed and valued.
Through her collaborative approach, steady leadership, and commitment to shared governance, Lavine has had a lasting impact on UCLA’s academic community, making her a fitting recipient of the Oliver Johnson Award.
