Elizabeth City, N.C. — An Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) professor has received one of the highest honors in the University of North Carolina System—an award that celebrates exceptional teaching and the power of impact and influence in students’ lives.
Adetayo Victor Adedeji, Ph.D., professor of physics, has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Established in 1993, the Board of Governors Award recognizes exceptional faculty across the UNC System who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to teaching, scholarship and student success. With this honor comes a $12,500 stipend and formal recognition during each university’s spring commencement ceremony.
Since joining ECSU in 2007, Adedeji has become a pillar of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, earning accolades for his innovative teaching, research and mentorship. He has secured over $6.5 million in research funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense, authored 47 peer-reviewed publications, and remains deeply involved in national scientific discourse through conferences and collaborations.
“Teaching—instilling curiosity, feeding a thirst for knowledge, and creating lifelong learners—is the foundation of the University of North Carolina System,” said UNC System President Peter Hans to Adedeji in a formal letter. “I am grateful for your passion, expertise and scholarship, and join the Board of Governors in congratulating you on your achievement.”
Yet for Adedeji, the heartbeat of his work is his students.
“Adedeji opens new doors for his students, helping them discover talents and abilities they never knew they had,” said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. “His classes are dynamic and engaging, incorporating innovative group work, hands-on experiments, and thoughtful discussions that enable his students to thrive academically and personally.”
His teaching philosophy, developed over the years at ECSU, centers on action-based learning. “I have always believed that you learn physics concepts not just by listening to lectures but by ‘doing.’ Doing those examples again, doing homework and talking about issues encountered in the process of ‘doing.’” he explained. “Homework is not a test but a tool to deepen understanding of concepts. That is why they have multiple attempts per question and the opportunities to get help from the instructor, course tutor and classmates.”
As a former faculty member at Georgia Southern University and a graduate research assistant at Auburn University as a graduate student, Adedeji exemplifies the ideal educator, committed to rigorous academic standards and nurturing each student’s growth. He believes today’s professors must do more than lecture—they must inspire.
“The role of a professor today is to introduce students to concepts in the subject matter through discussions, demonstrations when possible, and relevant practical examples that capture students’ imaginations,” he said.
A remarkable teacher first sparked his own imagination. “I was fortunate to have a very good and dedicated physics teacher, Mr. Bayo Adeogun, at my high school in Nigeria. He was compassionate and firm at the same time. I decided to teach physics as well because of the built-in power to influence the career path of young and talented minds.”
His former teachers shaped his decision to enter education and his style.
“Some of them were so funny, and I like to be funny sometimes to ease the tension of learning new, not-so-easy concepts,” he said.
Adedeji recalls defining moments of connection in his teaching journey. “A good teacher keeps eye contact with the students most of the time. Points of absolute satisfaction come for me at times when I am looking at my student’s eyes, and I am 100% certain that the student just understood what I was trying to explain—and the student turns around, providing alternative explanations to the concept we were discussing. It is always magical!”
Success isn’t solely about test scores for Adedeji. It’s measured in transformation.
“True success comes for me when I see a change in attitude and dedication, students who failed the class during their first attempt and decided to re-take the class with a new commitment and passed with a very good grade, and hardworking students who will not give up and will not quit even when the test grades are very bad. They actively seek and find help to ensure their success in the class.”
He warns against the temptation to lower standards. His advice to new faculty members is rooted in conviction and care.
“Do not give up on the students even when you think the concepts are so difficult and they may not be able to understand them. The easiest and cheapest thing to do is not to cover what you think the student may not understand, though it is essential to their success.”
That sense of purpose is his enduring “why.”
“I have had many mentees who passed through my courses and had research experience in my research lab and have now completed or are about to complete their doctoral programs. Some have become reputable educators or established medical professionals or are currently in professional schools,” he said.
Adedeji was formally recognized during ECSU’s 2025 spring commencement. As ECSU continues to demonstrate academic excellence, this honor is a reminder of the transformational impact of excellent teaching—measured not only in accolades but in the lives forever changed by one professor’s belief in the power of learning.