Karen Driscoll Receives 2026 Teaching Faculty Award

Karen Driscoll, Head of Artistic Operations/Opera and Assistant Teaching Professor of Voice at the John J. Cali School of Music, has received Montclair State University’s 2026 Teaching Faculty Award. Driscoll was recognized during the University’s Faculty Showcase Program on May 5, 2026, which this year centered on the theme, Toward an Engaged University.

The Teaching Faculty Award honors faculty members for excellence and innovation in teaching, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to the University community. Driscoll was recognized for her innovative teaching practices, her dedication to fostering student learning and belonging, and the care and mentorship she brings to preparing the next generation of artists.

A leader within the Cali School of Music’s Opera program, Driscoll has played a key role in strengthening and expanding performance opportunities for students. The recognition follows closely on the heels of two successful Opera Workshop productions presented by the program this past weekend.

The 2026 Faculty Showcase highlighted the many ways Montclair State faculty advance civic purpose, democratic engagement, and community-engaged learning through teaching, research, and collaboration. In this milestone year marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the program emphasized the importance of preparing students to participate thoughtfully and meaningfully in a diverse and evolving democracy.

Other recipients of the 2026 Teaching Faculty Award included:

• Alfredo Toro Carnevali (Political Science)
• Claudia Cortese (Writing Studies)
• Lloyd Molander (Management)
• Yikang Shi (School of Computing).