George Chikhladze received a surprise at the start of Econ 1015 Principles of Macroeconomics class on Aug. 29, 2019, in Walter Johnson Auditorium:  his colleagues from the economics department interrupted class to present Dr. Chikhladze with the $5,000 Walter Johnson Award for Teaching Excellence.

The namesake for the award, Walter Johnson, taught economics to over 40,000 students at Mizzou from 1965 to 1998 and was renowned for his lively lectures and memorable teaching style.  Former students and friends of Walter Johnson have donated funds for this award to honor his love of teaching and tremendous service to Mizzou.

Since 2010, George Chikhladze has taught Money and Banking and Principles of Macroeconomics to close to 12,000 students; more importantly, George has been a consistently excellent teacher and mentor for many years, --- and a student-favorite for his enthusiasm and kindness (and winning smile!).   There is no more fitting tribute to the memory and ideals of Walter Johnson than to recognize Dr. George Chikhladze with this award!

George, on behalf of the department of economics and your students, congratulations and thank you for all you do for Mizzou!