CMU Excellence in Teaching Award Current Winners
Shilpa Alamuri
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
A fixed-term faculty of Management in the College of Business Administration, Professor Alamuri engages and inspires students with high expectations and clear guidelines and puts great effort into planning each lecture so that the time students spend in class is rewarding. She is highly praised by students and colleagues. A student stated, “You had such a huge impact on my academic career because you expected so much from me but challenged me in a way that helped me to succeed.” A colleague commented that she “provides an excellent professional role model for our students.”
Andy Blom
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Andrew Blom is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Anthropology & Religion. He is a mentor who builds community and focuses on the well-being of his students. One of his colleagues affirms that he has made it his mission to support students in any way he can. He opens class “in ways that invite people into the space as their full selves.” He allows time for announcements and celebrations, which he sees as an opportunity to learn more about his students’ activities and involvements. He fosters relationships and promotes leadership in ways that bring important intellectual and social diversity to his classroom.
Dawn Decker
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award & Lorrie Ryan Memorial Award Recipient
Dr. Dawn Decker is a Professor of Special Education in the College of Education & Human Services. At the core of her teaching philosophy is providing individual student investment, an organized and relevant course experience, and role modeling what she hopes to see in future educators. One student commented that “with an easy-going nature, fair and concise feedback, and regular check-ins, both privately and as a class, this professor goes above and beyond to ensure that students feel respected and valued.” Additionally, a colleague expressed appreciation for Dr. Decker’s commitment to being a well-rounded, present, and accessible educator.
JoDell R. Heroux
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award & Student Choice Award Recipient
Dr. JoDell Heroux is a professor in the Department of Teacher and Special Education. Her background in Disability Studies and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guides her instruction and reflects her unwavering commitment to inclusion. For Dr. Heroux, teaching isn't just about disseminating information—it's about creating an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. UDL is a dynamic framework that celebrates different ways of learning, engaging, and demonstrating knowledge, which maximizes student learning. She goes above and beyond to create “a space that honors and values (students’) knowledge and experiences, demonstrating her commitment to humane and just teaching.”
Anne M. Hornak
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Anne M. Hornak is in her 15th year as a Professor of Higher Education in the College of Education & Human Services. Her philosophy of teaching can best be described as “student-centric, relevant, and innovative.” Dr. Hornak’s focus on “investing in creating and cultivating student connections” was identified as something students appreciate most about her instruction. One student added that “she provides a safe, dynamic, and inclusive learning environment at all times.” Additionally, a colleague described her “incredibly high energy in the classroom and her ability to help students apply complex topics to everyday situations” as commendable.
Rachael K. Nelson
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Rachael Nelson is a Professor of Exercise Science in the College of Health Professions. Dr. Nelson’s teaching approach requires students to engage in the material, complete an assessment, take part in the discussion, and incorporate learning into the laboratory. One student stated, “she made connections…to help the students truly grasp the aim” while another noted that she is “the epitome of an educator who cares not only about a student’s education, but their success as an individual.” A colleague noted that her teaching has evolved to what he believes is “the most effective strategy supported by strong research evidence.”
Joseph Sommers
2024 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Joseph Sommers is a Professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. An unfailingly dedicated teacher, Joe has claimed that, as a teacher, “the best tools in my arsenal might be good humor and empathy,” and that one of his primary aims in teaching is to “create trust and respect” between instructor and student. Joe’s students have no end of praise for his outstanding work in and out of the classroom. One student noted that “he refuses to take anything but our best effort” and that “we were engaged and inspired every day in his class.” Joe’s colleagues share the same high regard for him. One noted in a peer evaluation that he “is well prepared not only in presenting the subject matter but also in fostering students’ thinking and creativity.”