Four UW-Madison faculty members received 2008 Hilldale Awards, an annual award to recognize teaching, research and service excellence.

According to a statement, the awards have honored biological and physical science, social studies and arts and humanities professors since 1987.

Gloria Ladson-Billings, a UW-Madison urban education professor since 1991, is a co-director of Teach for Diversity, a graduate program for aspiring teachers. James Dumesic, a chemical engineering professor, joined the UW-Madison faculty in 1976. His work involves the future of alternative fuels.

Marvin Wickens, a molecular biology and biochemistry professor faculty member since 1983, is internationally recognized as a eukaryotic gene expression researcher.

Robert Skloot, a theater and English professor, joined the faculty in 1968. He has earned his recognition as a scholar, teacher and artist through his work in the theater of the Holocaust. The Hilldale Foundation-funded awards will be presented at the April 7 Faculty Senate meeting.