Deborah Tippins, a professor in the department of mathematics and science education at the University of Georgia, received the inaugural Mentor Award from the Southeastern Association of Science Teacher Education (SASTE). Then, the association voted to rename the Mentor Award in her honor. Henceforth, the prize will be called the Deborah Tippins Mentor Award. Professor Tippins is the past president of SASTE.
Professor Tippins has been on the faculty at the University of Georgia since 1990. She holds a doctorate from Texas A&M University.