Dan Morgan, principal senior lecturer in earth and environmental sciences, received the 2026 Chancellor's Cup for his enthusiastic dedication to undergraduate and graduate students through immersion research, mentoring and support over almost two decades at Vanderbilt.
Morgan received a surprise visit on April 7 when Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost C. Cybele Raver presented him with the prestigious award. The annual Chancellor's Cup recipient is selected by a committee of former award recipients and academic leadership based on nominations from each school's deans.
"Dan embodies the very best of the Vanderbilt spirit-a collaborative scholar who leads students into some of the most challenging frontiers of discovery," Diermeier said. "Dan has enhanced the undergraduate experience through committed mentorship and a profound dedication to immersive research. We are delighted to celebrate him with the Chancellor's Cup."
EPIC IMMERSION RESEARCH
Morgan is the ultimate hands-on professor. One of his most defining contributions is the conception, funding and execution of two-month undergraduate research projects in Antarctica.
Beyond the Antarctica trip itself, Morgan personally enabled students to conduct original field research, integrating pre-trip training, fieldwork, post-field research and conference presentations. Morgan has also led extensive field-based learning through course trips to the Rocky Mountains and other sites.
Students describe Morgan's mentorship as tireless, intentional and deeply supportive, especially in preparing them for challenging environments and fostering inclusive, collaborative research teams. Graduates of his programs have gone on to highly selective graduate programs, prestigious fellowships, and professional success.
Morgan also balances his research trips with sincere support of students on campus as an associate dean of the College of Arts and Science and a former faculty head of Memorial House on the Martha Rivers Ingram Commons.
CHANCELLOR'S CUP HISTORY
Established by the Nashville Vanderbilt Club in 1963, the Chancellor's Cup is awarded for the greatest contribution outside the classroom to undergraduate student-faculty relationships in the recent past. The faculty member's contribution is one of educational importance, relevant to the central purpose of the university.
- Watch a story about one of Dan Morgan's expeditions to Antarctica with students
- Read about an Immersion Vanderbilt research trip to the Colorado mountains
- Watch Dan Morgan talk about his research and the value of Immersion Vanderbilt
