Judi LaBranche, senior lecturer II in the Department of Kinesiology, has been named UMass Amherst’s recipient of the 2026 Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching by the University of Massachusetts Foundation.

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Celebrating extraordinary educators across all five UMass campuses, the annual recognition provides a $10,000 stipend for each of the honorees, made possible by UMass Foundation Board Chair Robert J. Manning, ’84, ’11 (H), and his wife, Donna Manning Donna Manning ’85, ’91, ’11 (H), who established the endowed teaching award in 2016.

The foundation announced this year’s winners on April 21.

Over 21 years of teaching, with more than 14 years at UMass Amherst, Judi LaBranche has shaped the academic and professional trajectories of more than 6,000 students through innovative, community-engaged, and inclusively designed instruction. 

Characterized by a philosophy she describes as “sustained, inclusive, high-impact practice,” LaBranche brings the community into her teaching and her students into the community. As Director of the Body Shop Fitness Center, creator of interdisciplinary professional education experiences, and leader of the Pathway to Medical Professions pre-college program, she continuously expands the reach of kinesiology education beyond the classroom. Her courses consistently integrate Universal Design for Learning, real-world application, and cutting-edge tools including AI and social media, ensuring students are career-ready and civic-minded. 

"As an educator, Judi had the ability to unlock my passion in the field of kinesiology; as a person, Judi has changed my life in more ways imaginable,” said one of her students.

More details about the Manning Prize and each of the 2026 recipients can be found on the UMass Foundation website.