Munk School Celebrates Three Outstanding Award Recipients for Excellence in Teaching, Leadership, and Student Experience

The Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of three members of its community whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, innovation, and student support: Professor Robert Austin, Assistant Professor Leah Montange, and Kristen Ligers. 

Professor Robert Austin receives U of T President’s Teaching Award 

Robert Austin, a professor in the teaching stream at the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES), has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 University of Toronto President’s Teaching Award — the university’s highest honour for teaching excellence, educational leadership, and innovation. 

Professor Austin is known for centering the student experience and for his outstanding contributions to international experiential learning. Drawing on his background as a journalist and historian in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, he brings a unique global perspective to the classroom. His courses often feature conversations with diplomats, policymakers, and even heads of state — including the President of Kosovo — offering students invaluable real-world insight. 

As a recipient of this honour, Professor Austin will receive an annual professional development allowance of $10,000 over five years and join U of T’s Teaching Academy, contributing to a wide range of university events and pedagogical initiatives. 

Professor Leah Montange recognized with Faculty of Arts & Science Outstanding Teaching Award 

Assistant Professor Leah Montange has been awarded the Faculty of Arts & Science Outstanding Teaching Award — Early Career, in recognition of her exceptional instructional practices, course design, and curriculum development. 

Professor Montange has consistently demonstrated pedagogical excellence and innovation, creating highly engaging learning environments rooted in real-world issues. As a Community-Engaged Learning Fellow, she has incorporated partnerships into her teaching that connect students to communities and current social challenges. 

Her course “A Nation of Immigrants” saw students collaborate with the nonprofit With Wings and Roots to update educational materials on U.S. immigration history. In “Transnational America,” she led students on a research-intensive field trip to Southern California, working directly with organizations focused on labor, environmental justice, and human rights. 

Professor Montange’s teaching stands out for its creativity, scholarly rigour, and deep commitment to student success. 

Kristen Ligers awarded Dean’s Student Life Award 

The Munk School also proudly celebrates Kristen Ligers, Director of Programs for the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Global Affairs (MGA), and dual-degree programs, who has received the Dean’s Student Life Award for her exceptional leadership in enhancing the student experience. 

Since joining the Munk School in 2019, Kristen has played a central role in integrating the School’s flagship graduate programs and fostering a vibrant, cohesive student community. She oversees a team of eight and leads all aspects of student services — from admissions and program administration to career development, internships, and alumni engagement. 

Kristen is widely respected for her ability to turn vision into action. More than that, she is a trusted mentor who empowers students to navigate challenges with confidence and self-awareness. Her work has transformed how students experience life at Munk, and her impact is felt across the Faculty of Arts & Science and beyond. 

Their accomplishments reflect a shared commitment to teaching, student support, and academic leadership that continues to elevate the Munk School's impact both locally and globally. 

Congratulations to all three recipients!