The Jean C. Brierley Award for Excellence in College Teaching

Jean Brierley (1908-1986) graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1930 with a baccalaureate degree in Zoology. After leaving the University of New Hampshire, Ms. Brierley became a teaching assistant in the Zoology Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor until 1937. The University of Michigan awarded her the degree of Master of Science in 1931 and Doctor of Philosophy in 1937. In 1938, she moved to Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas, where she was an Assistant Professor in Biology. She joined the faculty at Michigan State College in 1945, teaching freshman biology and natural sciences. She retired from the faculty at Michigan State University in 1973 as a full Professor.

Professor Brierley was a member of many professional organizations including the Genetics Society of America, Society for the Study of Evolution, Michigan Academy of Science, Sigma Xi, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AASS). She was active in civic affairs as a member of the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, the Sierra Club, National Organization of Women, and Concerned Scientists. Her many interests also included travel.