CMU Excellence in Teaching Award Current Winners
Thomas E. Gilsdorf
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award & Student Choice Award Recipient
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, a faculty member from the Department of Mathematics, 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.
Holly H. Hoffman
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award & Lorrie Ryan Memorial Award Recipient
Dr. Holly Hoffman is a Professor in the Department of Human Development & 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.”
Megan K. MacPherson
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Megan MacPherson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University. She 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
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Gina McGovern is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 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
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Johanna Paas, a Professor in the Department of Art & Design, 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
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Daniela Richter is a Professor of German in the Department of History, World Languages, and Cultures 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
2025 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
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.