Steven Brence received the Herman Faculty Achievement Award for his teaching. The Thomas F. Herman Faculty Achievement Award for Distinguished Teaching honors senior faculty members who have achieved outstanding records as teachers. The Herman Award is presented only to faculty members who have held academic rank at the University of Oregon for at least seven years, have demonstrated long-standing excellence in teaching, and have contributed significantly to student learning at the undergraduate or graduate level.

The Herman Award includes institutional recognition for teaching excellence and a permanent salary stipend. During the first year, faculty recipients receive $4,000, with annual stipends of $2,000 beginning in the second year.