Franklin Hobbs promoted to Associate Teaching Professor

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is pleased to announce the promotion of Franklin Hobbs to Associate Teaching Professor. Hobbs was awarded the James G. Woodburn Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2025, but perhaps the best insight into his impact can be distilled from what his students had to say.

“Franklin is the reason that the MSE department at UW-Madison feels like home. Not only is he an excellent teacher, but he’s also an excellent person and the reason I was excited to go to class! Franklin is the BEST.”
– Cambry, ’24

“His passion for teaching made it easy as a student to dive in and share that same fascination for materials science.”
– Corbin, ’24

“Franklin Hobbs absolutely deserves this role. All the students know his name for a reason, which is that he is simply impossible to dislike in regard to both how he interacts with those around him and how he teaches.”
– Adam, ’26

“Franklin, thank you for the advice over the years, for always keeping your door open to my random drop-in visits, and for being so willing to help whenever students need it. Your support, hospitality, and dedication have made a meaningful impact not only on me, but the entire MSE community. Congratulations on the well-deserved promotion!”
– Leo, ’26