Awards honor faculty excellence in 2025

Central Michigan University is celebrating faculty members who set the leadership standard by prioritizing student success, providing rich knowledge-based experiences, and nurturing strong connections inside and outside of the classroom.

2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards

Created by CMU in 1985, the Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize outstanding teaching efforts by faculty. Awardees are selected from faculty members nominated and supported by their peers and students, who then undergo a rigorous selection process by the Excellence in Teaching Awards Committee.

Megan K. MacPherson
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Dr. Megan MacPherson, an Assistant Professor, is recognized for her thoughtful organization of course materials and her diverse teaching techniques, which enhance student learning.  Dr. MacPherson establishes clear and high expectations for her students by providing explicit directions, reinforcing key concepts, maintaining clear communication, and modeling targeted knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Those who have worked with or learned from her have praised her effective teaching methods. One student remarked, “This professor uses in-class case studies that incorporate videos, diagrams, and charts to present information in multiple formats, enhancing understanding.” A colleague added, “Her meticulous organization of classroom materials and thorough preparation reflect a deep commitment to delivering high-quality instruction.” 

Gina McGovern
Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Dr. Gina McGovern is an assistant professor who is known for her engaging and student-centered teaching approach. She prioritizes getting to know her students and helping them make connections between what they are learning and their own lives and future goals. Dr. McGovern’s passion for youth development and social-emotional learning inspires students to think critically and apply course concepts to real-world challenges in meaningful ways. One student noted that her work "gives adults the tools to help youth feel seen, heard, and valued."  Her passion for teaching inspires students to engage deeply and think critically. By fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating classroom, Dr. McGovern ensures her students leave prepared to make a meaningful impact through their future careers.  

Johanna Paas
Department of Art and Design

Professor Johanna Paas creates a positive rapport with students by establishing a supportive and collaborative community grounded in mutual respect. She is accessible to her students for extra instruction outside of class, and her classroom is a hub of activity both during and after official class time. She creates a welcoming and inclusive community where students gain confidence and extend themselves academically. Her energy, passion, and excitement are contagious, inspiring and engaging students to learn. One of her students said, “She is an amazing role model. She loves what she does, and therefore, so do her students. She goes above and beyond to be here for us.” She fosters an environment where constructive criticism reaches an analytical level, creating a stimulating and challenging learning experience. 

Daniela Richter 
Department of History, World Languages and Cultures

Dr. Daniela Richter is a Professor of German who approaches teaching with great passion for her students and their learning processes. She encourages them to engage on a personal level with literary pieces by designing special writing assignments and reflecting on these texts' relevance for our day and age. Dr. Richter founded the German knitting club, whose meetings also provide an excellent opportunity to practice German. She has also successfully conducted a faculty-led study abroad program in Germany, connecting readings and lectures from previous coursework into experiential learning and cultural immersion. One of her students said: “This professor is very good about understanding what makes each student tick and what each student's goals and passions are and using that knowledge to inspire them on an individual level.”  

Pamela H. Sickinger
Department of Counseling. Educational Leadership and Higher Education

After more than 23 years working as a School Counselor, Dr. Pamela Sickinger brought her experience and passion to the Master of Arts in Counseling Program as a Fixed-Term Faculty Member. At the core of her teaching philosophy is a focus on relationships. Empathy, cultural humility, and curiosity drive her interactions in and outside the classroom. She highly respects her students and goes the extra mile to provide a thoughtful and gracious learning environment for all. One student commented, “Dr. Sickinger prioritizes clarity and rigor balanced with fairness and compassion in the expectations. Her methods increased our critical thinking skills and exposed us to diverse perspectives. We know she cares and is available to help in any way she can.” Additionally, a colleague expressed appreciation for Dr. Sickinger’s commitment to the program and training students to be competent professionals in authentic, meaningful, and innovative ways. Another colleague highlighted her ability to connect with students as a quality professional mentor as one of her greatest strengths. 

Student Choice Excellence in Teaching Award

The Student Choice Excellence in Teaching Award is selected by a committee of current students and recognizes a faculty member for creative excellence in overall instructional effectiveness.

Thomas E. Gilsdorf  
Department of Mathematics

Engaging students through real-world contexts, humor, and personal experiences fosters deeper connections with course material. By discussing historical or news-related examples and sharing personal struggles with learning, Dr. Thomas Gilsdorf creates an environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and growing from them. Encouraging students to apply course concepts to problem-solving enhances their preparedness for future careers and academic pursuits. Establishing a sense of community in the classroom further supports this approach, as students collaboratively tackle obstacles using course material in small groups. This mirrors real-world professional teamwork, reinforcing the importance of collective problem-solving. As one student noted, “Dr. Gilsdorf's best example goes back to the cooperative quizzing method he employs, wherein he describes how workplace practices do not hire individuals to work alone. They engage teams to solve problems.” This collaborative, contextualized learning approach ultimately strengthens student engagement and success. 

Lorrie Ryan Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award

Lorrie Ryan was a faculty member in human environmental studies and a 2002 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. This award, established in 2006, is given in her memory each year to a faculty member who inspires students by building a sense of community within the learning environment and demonstrating profound mentorship and respect for others.

Holly H. Hoffman 
Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Dr. Hoffman creates joyful, engaging learning experiences that help students grow. One student stated, “Her positivity was contagious and her passion for learning was quickly transferred to students.” This enthusiasm inspires students to do their best work as they develop skills for professional practice. Another student shared, “My professor transforms initial interest into a lasting passion for the field. When I expressed curiosity about research, she didn't just provide information - she created a pathway for deep engagement. Her mentorship style encourages students to take on challenges they might have thought beyond their reach.” Dr. Hoffman’s colleagues express similar sentiments. One colleague said, “I can honestly say Dr. Hoffman is clearly one of the most enthusiastic and joyful teachers I have had the privilege to know.”  

Faculty Distinguished Service Award

Created by the Office of the Provost in 2001, the Faculty Distinguished Service Award recognizes faculty members with a record of sustained and distinguished service at CMU. Nominations were reviewed, and the winner was selected by the Shared Governance Committee.

Tracy S. Davis
Department of English Language and Literature

From 2022 to 2024, Dr. Tracy Davis, Assistant Professor of Educational Linguistics, served as the Academic Senate chair, where she was known for promoting active engagement during meetings and ensuring all perspectives were considered in discussions. She also played a key role in developing a proposed revised General Education program as part of CMU’s Quality Initiative for the Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation process. Additionally, she led efforts to establish the University’s freedom of expression policy statement and was influential in the campus-wide implementation of the new End-Of-Course survey question set, working closely with all colleges to do so. Her nominator was sure to point out that “Tracy is one of the most engaged individuals I have met in her service roles, both by bringing her important perspectives and by being respectful of everyone's contributions.”  

Dr. Davis continues to be dedicated to student success, not only through traditional academic structures but also by creating new learning methods and environments. Her reputation consistently fosters collaboration, all the while championing initiatives that directly benefit faculty and students.