The National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages recently recognized The University of Toledo’s Dr. An Chung Cheng with its prestigious Walton Award.
Cheng, a professor and chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, received the lifetime achievement award at the council’s conference in late April.
Dr. An Chung Cheng, right, received the 2025 Walton Award from Dr. Antonia Schleicher, executive director of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages, during the council’s conference in late April.
“Receiving the Walton Award is both an incredible honor and a deeply personal milestone,” said Cheng, who teaches Chinese and Spanish and directs the Asian Studies Program. “In a time when language education faces growing challenges — from declining enrollments to shifting societal priorities — this recognition is a powerful reminder that our work remains vital. It strengthens my commitment to advocating for linguistic and cultural diversity and creating spaces where every language and learner can be seen, valued and supported.”
Cheng is a leader in language education, research, program development and teacher training. She has secured more than $1.5 million in federal funding to support language initiatives through UToledo, which offers minors in Arabic, French, German, Japanese and Spanish, along with certificates in these languages and Chinese, to students whose primary degree programs span the University.
These initiatives include a program to support the professional development of Chinese teachers working in community-based weekend heritage schools and a program to train teachers of strategically important world languages not widely taught in the United States.
The National Council of Less Commonly Taught Language’s Walton Award recognizes individuals whose careers have been distinguished by selfless service and outstanding contributions to advancing less commonly taught languages in the United States.
Cheng is a former president of the council.
