Faculty Awards Convocation is held each February to honor the outstanding contributions of our faculty. University awards are presented for excellence in teaching in and outside of the classroom, scholarship that advances the professions and helps society, inspiring mentoring to aid our students successfully along their way, and dedicated service to the campus and larger community.

University Awards for Excellence
Pew Awards for Excellence
CSCE Awards for Scholarly and Creative Excellence
MASU Professor of the Year
 

2025 Video Footage
Event Photos

Previous Faculty Convocation Award Recipients

Glenn A. Niemeyer Award

Corey Anton, Ph.D.
Professor of Communications

Who would stand before a TEDx audience and discuss how death acceptance is a worthy, even life-affirming, idea? Corey Anton would and has. He is the quintessential educator and adventurous scholar who inspires students and readers to transform their lives through ideas and words. It is natural for him to be surrounded by students, discussing the ideas and books that excite him. An accomplished scholar, he has published eight books and over 85 scholarly articles. Among his many honors are Grand Valley’s Distinguished Contribution in a Discipline Award, the Walter J. Ong Award for Career Achievement, and multiple book awards from prestigious organizations in his field. His dedication to service includes serving as Vice-President of the Institute of General Semantics, Past President of the Media Ecology Association, and a Fellow of the International Communicology Institute.

Glenn A. Niemeyer Award

Barbara Hooper, DNP
Associate Professor of Nursing

Her office has been called “Grand Central Station” as Barbara Hooper believes it is important to be on campus where students can stop by if needed—and, they do! She is deeply respected by students for her professional, no nonsense, yet very personal impact on their growth and learning. Students select a faculty member they most value to award them their nursing pin or read their thank yous at graduation, and Hooper has been selected every semester since she was hired. She has received both GVSU’s Outstanding Educator Award and the GVSU Outstanding Teacher Award. As an innovative teacher/scholar, she has a lead role in a groundbreaking “multi-patient simulation” scenario that was awarded a $1.5 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant and many accolades at national meetings. Her strong record of service ranges from serving on University Academic Senate, the GVSU Student Success Network, chairing KCON’s Faculty Affairs Committee, serving as President of the Hudsonville School Board, and on the Ottawa County Community Action Agency. Hooper’s remarkable contributions across teaching, scholarship and service combined with her high professional standards and humble, strong work ethic are the epitome of a Niemeyer awardee.

Glenn A. Niemeyer Award

Ellen Schiller, Ph.D.
Professor of Teaching and Learning

Ellen Schiller is a passionate mathematics and science educator who has a flair for making learning engaging and relatable. Her innovative approach not only fosters a love for math and science but also creates a warm, inclusive learning environment. During the pandemic, she was highly motivated to replicate the hands-on, interactive pedagogy in her in-person classes in an on-line environment. Schiller turned to her family for inspiration, creating demonstration videos of her family playing math games to replicate in-class activities. She was recently recognized by the National Science Teaching Association for her service of writing 40 reviews of published science education content. Schiller has been a prolific grant writer and principal investigator in the areas of math and science professional development. She has been awarded six federal grants which have provided sustained professional development in teaching science or math to local teachers in the Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Kentwood school districts.

University Outstanding Teacher Award

Chris Haven, Ph.D.
Professor of Writing

Chris Haven considers it his responsibility to teach students the process, not just measure the product. He builds community in his classroom through strategies such as a whole-class project to create a “Style Guide,” well-planned days dedicated to offering peer feedback, and designated workdays. He expertly facilitates peer feedback while acknowledging the vulnerability it takes to share writing, saying in his syllabus, “What does this course require of you?,” answering “courage.” This is just one example of how he lets students see beyond the curtain. Adapting in the after-effects of COVID and in the new age of generative AI has been hard for us all, and Haven has risen to meet the moment. He educates his students to see through many lenses, including that of readers, editors, and publishers. As one nomination letter says, he “demands excellence from his students while also giving them permission to experiment.”

Distinguished Contribution in a Discipline Award

Alan Steinman, Ph.D.
Professor of Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute

Alan Steinman is an internationally recognized scholar specializing in aquatic ecosystem restoration, harmful algal blooms, phosphorus cycling, and water policy. He has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles and collaborated with over 320 researchers in eight countries. His exceptional contributions to the field are reflected in nearly 13,000 citations and an h-index of 58. He has secured over $60 million in funding and received multiple accolades, including from the Society for Freshwater Science, the National Lake Management Society, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Steinman provided an expert testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives and Michigan State Senate. Under his guidance as the director, he transformed the Annis Water Resource Institute into an internationally recognized science center that benefits students and the community alike.

Outstanding University Service Award

Kevin Lehnert, Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing

Kevin Lehnert exemplifies exceptional service through extensive contributions at GVSU and beyond. As chair of the Institutional Review Board since 2018, he has provided thoughtful and timely oversight essential to advancing ethical research at the university. His leadership extends across university committees, including the University Curriculum Committee, University Conduct Pool, and Human Research Review Policies Committee. Within the Seidman College of Business, he serves as a Parliamentarian and actively supports initiatives like the Societal Impact and Outreach Committee. His colleagues commend his dedication, professionalism, and personal touch, including thoughtful gestures toward peers. His community involvement includes pro bono consulting and supporting the Grand Rapids Symphony. Lehnert’s sustained service highlights a deep commitment to institutional growth, research integrity, and community engagement.

Outstanding Community Service Award

Jason Yancey, Ph.D.
Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures

Jason Yancey’s work exemplifies innovative community service through puppetry pedagogy, blending cultural education with creative outreach. His efforts span local, national, and international contexts, transforming puppetry into a career-defining endeavor. His unique adaptation of Golden Age Spanish literature for puppet theater has broadened access to classic works at a reasonable cost. Through performances, workshops, and lectures, he has engaged diverse audiences, from K-12 schools to universities and community centers. His initiative, Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe, has gained significant recognition, enhancing GVSU’s national profile. Yancey’s dedication reflects a deep commitment to service, education, and cultural engagement, making him a model representative of a
liberal arts mission.

Haas-Stiner Undergraduate Mentoring Award

Anna Hammersmith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology

Anna Hammersmith exemplifies the transformative power of undergraduate research and mentorship. At GVSU, she has directly mentored 15 students across diverse disciplines, fostering both academic and personal growth. As a Faculty Fellow in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, she spearheaded initiatives like the Research-Intensive Course Designation and Anchoring Research Badge to expand research opportunities university wide. Known for her balance of flexibility and accountability, her mentees praise her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication. One student shared, “Her care and commitment were crucial to my success, shaping my academic journey and personal growth in profound ways.”

Haas-Stiner Undergraduate Mentoring Award

Laura Hawk, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry

Laura Hawk actively engages undergraduates in research on protein aggregation, epigenetics, and antibiotic resistance. She empowers students to take ownership of their projects, and provides invaluable hands-on experience while tailoring her mentorship to each student’s interests and goals. Her enthusiasm and dedication inspire mentees, many of whom have pursued advanced degrees in medical school, Ph.D. programs, and post-baccalaureate studies. One student remarked, “Her contagious excitement, clarity in explaining complex topics, and genuine investment in our growth make her an exceptional mentor.” She also instills resilience, emphasizing that perseverance is key to scientific success.

Outstanding Academic Advising & Student Services Award

Valerie Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor of Communications

Valerie Peterson is an exemplary faculty mentor for students at GVSU. Her ability to listen to students, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to instill self-advocacy in individuals make her an invaluable resource for students. Her commitment to compassionate and efficient student support, coupled with her knowledge for curriculum and course development, greatly contributes to the quality of faculty advising and mentorship. Peterson has the ability to calm a distressed student and aid them through difficult times. She believes in promoting student advocacy and takes the time to find the most accurate information for students. Her commitment to students, willingness to go the extra mile, and compassion is greatly recognized by her colleagues and advisees.

Internationalization Award

Jeroen Wagendorp, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Geography and Sustainable Planning

Jeroen Wagendorp has been a driving force in advancing internationalization at GVSU for over 20 years. As a geography professor and former department chair, he has created transformative global learning opportunities, including leading impactful study abroad programs in the Netherlands. His dedication to global citizenship is evident in his students, who return inspired by Dutch sustainability practices and their potential applications in Michigan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed GVSU’s first virtual study abroad course, demonstrating creativity and resilience in providing students with international experiences despite challenges. His efforts have expanded GVSU’s international partnerships and inspired both students and faculty to engage globally. Wagendorp exemplifies leadership in international education.

Burch, Jacobs, and Moore Diversity Teaching Excellence Award

Jakia Marie, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Integrative Studies

Jakia Marie’s pedagogical approach cultivates a space where students from diverse backgrounds can explore challenging topics and engage in critical dialogue with mutual respect and open-mindedness. Of note, in teaching Africana Studies Marie created a virtual reality experience to take students to historical sites in Ghana. Such immersive experiences fostered and promoted cultural awareness and cultural competence. Additionally, she has collaborated with students to lead campus-wide events such as “Understanding the Gaza Strip” and initiated university-wide events like Cuts at the Clock, which offers haircuts for students who have difficulty in finding services for their hair types in Allendale.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award for Adjunct Faculty

Carey Guernsey, BSN, RN C-EFM
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing

Carey Guernsey is a passionate teacher who finds teaching GVSU students the most satisfying role in her 25-year nursing career. She is dedicated to helping her students become the very best nurses by modeling kindness, compassion, and critical thinking. Her materials show how she sparks enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence in her students, such as creating a student folder for learning materials, activities, assignments, and using a variety of learning tools (like playing with a placenta!). Students report her compassion allows them to ask uncomfortable questions, and her advocacy allows them to get the most out of their Obstetrics rotation
at the hospital.

Pew Teaching with Technology Award

Ryan Krauss, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Engineering

In his application, Ryan Krauss clearly identified the learning challenges his students face: a subject matter defined by intense and abstract mathematics combined with a lack of off-the-shelf solutions for making the abstract more concrete. Guided by a commitment to active learning, Krauss engineered a specific set of hardware and software tools to provide students with novel learning experiences that reinforce foundational concepts. Krauss’ goal is to make student learning the driving force for the use of instructional technology, and his contributions stand out as truly novel adaptations of technology for instructional purposes.

Pew Teaching with Technology Award

Courtney Topić, J.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies

Courtney Topić’s Virtual Reality Courtroom project represents the best of what innovative instructional technology can do to enhance student learning. The project breaks down physical and practical barriers to give students access to experiences far beyond what could be accomplished through simple text or images (to virtually “step into” a courtroom in Michigan’s 61st District Court). These benefits come across clearly in the positive feedback provided by Topić’s students and colleagues. Topić’ has worked extensively to build awareness of this project and the technology behind it.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Lora Bailey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Lora Bailey combines an engaged approach to building classroom communities while supporting students in applying mathematics. Creating environments where her students feel connected, she develops student curiosity and confidence through multiple methods of instruction and clear assessment design. Bailey’s enthusiasm and dedication to developing creatively engaged teaching creates strong mentorship relationships that have lasting impacts on her students. By fostering inclusive classrooms and supporting students in meeting high expectations, Bailey worked with students to collaboratively write a textbook and continues to mentor individualized research projects.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Dan Brown, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English

Dan Brown positively influences students as a mentor, improves his teaching methods through a reflective process, incorporates a wide variety of pedagogical strategies, and stays current with best practices, including the ethical use of generative AI. Brown provides a high level of reflexivity and responsiveness in his teaching, and attends to student input and growth. Brown exemplifies and fosters the metacognitive elements of what it means to teach, both in terms of the process of teaching and the evaluation of student outcomes.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Matthew Christians, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology

Matthew Christians dedicates his teaching to engaging students in research to apply concepts in real-world applications. Through collaboration with colleagues and students, including at the Kent County Technical Center, Christians brings enthusiasm and rigor to his teaching that support student research and work in the community. His dedication to both the content and the students he teaches creates supportive learning environments that foster student curiosity. Through Christians’ approach to teaching, he fosters supportive and impactful mentorship relationships that positively impact students’ learning, research, and career trajectories to assist them in meeting their goals.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Adrian Copeland, J.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies

Adrian Copeland’s teaching centers collaborative learning and student engagement in real-world ways to develop confidence and critical thinking. Reflecting on student feedback to hone learning activities, she incorporates multiple teaching strategies and innovations to challenge students. For example, in Legal Studies 428: Civil Litigation II, Copeland guides students to a culminating experience in a mock trial, preparing as members of two law firms. Serving as judge, Copeland “pauses” the mock trial to insert “learning opportunities,” asking students to clarify concepts or decisions to correct errors in practice. Students identify the mock trial as one of their most impactful GVSU experiences.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Carmen Fernández-Flórez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures

Carmen Fernández-Flórez, is admired for her student-centered approach. She considers the scope and sequence of student progress through the program, then scaffolds instruction and stokes students’ intellectual curiosity across multiple courses. Fernández-Flórez’s materials from the Heritage Speakers Course collaboration with Burton Elementary – is an exceptional example of one professor and her former student creating a course that will continue to benefit the community in perpetuity. Fernández-Flórez has discovered ways to create a sense of belonging for all students, extending to connections and interactions outside her classroom.

Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Kristen Schrauben, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology

Students and faculty colleagues agree that Kristen Schrauben showcases unwavering commitment, dedication, and individualized attention to her students and is organized, enthusiastic, and inspiring – an excellent teacher. Highlighting two intense, high-stakes graduate courses that encompass core competencies for school psychologists, faculty and students emphasized the integrated and innovative high impact learning strategies, comprehensive training, and substantial constructive feedback Schrauben provides. As an advisor and mentor, Schrauben strives to have learners recognize the value of their work and career choice. A graduate mentored by Schrauben recognized that she values the ideas of others and embraces “anyone that is curious and motivated to learn.”

Pew Excellence Award for Teaching and Learning Enrichment

Leigh Rupinski, MSI
Associate Librarian 

Leigh Rupinski has created high-impact instructional programs, learning experiences, and materials that have a lifetime outside of the archives and approaches adopted by other faculty. Nominators lauded Rupinski’s collaborative teaching projects with faculty across multiple units. For example, working with Abigail Gautreau’s History 495 capstone course was so effectively integrative that it led the History Department to revise their curricular pathway to include archival research and/or library instruction throughout. Rupinski’s work with Andrea Riley-Mukavetz to draft an Indigenous Archival Materials Statement models how to engage with indigenous artifacts.

Distinguished Graduate Mentoring Award

Samhita Rhodes, Ph.D.
Professor of Engineering

Samhita Rhodes is a dedicated and passionate graduate student mentor. Rhodes has mentored 28 graduate students, helping them achieve success at GVSU and beyond. She has a long record of publishing with graduate students in prestigious journals and frequently presenting with them at national conferences. As the Graduate Program Director for the School of Engineering, Rhodes also advocates for graduate students at the service level, working to increase graduate student stipends and serving on over two dozen master’s thesis. She promotes the development of curiosity in her students, with a focus on recognizing self-worth and fostering resilience.

Distinguished Undergraduate Mentoring Award

Erin Carrier, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computing

Erin Carrier develops solutions to high-performance computing challenges across diverse interdisciplinary applications. Her student-centered mentorship inspires confidence through rigorous scientific inquiry, and her effectiveness is reflected in the success of her students. As a champion of undergraduate research, Carrier leads by example and has made lasting contributions to the university by expanding student access to impactful research opportunities through four years of service on the Undergraduate Research Council, which she currently chairs. In the words of one of her former students, “Erin brings out the best in her students, and motivates them to aspire to do the same for others.”

Distinguished Undergraduate Mentoring Award

Robert Hollister, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology

Robert Hollister studies the high arctic ecosystem in Alaska. Since 2007, he has taken a team of undergraduate and graduate students to Alaska to apply classroom knowledge through field observations and research. This is supported by a significant infrastructure he developed through internal and external funding opportunities. Of the 34 undergraduate students Hollister has mentored, 20 have pursued graduate studies, and nearly all of the students published or presented with him. As a former student, who is now a biology faculty member at another university noted, his and his peers’ success was a “direct result of Bob’s ability and willingness to work side-by-side with undergraduate students.”

Distinguished Early-Career Scholar Award

Alexander Lalejini, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computing

Alex Lalejini works at the intersection of computer science and evolutionary biology. He applies evolutionary concepts to engineer algorithms and develops computational systems to investigate how complex traits and behaviors evolve. Since joining GVSU, he has produced eight peer-reviewed articles and two book chapters. Lalejini has a strong track record of securing internal and external (National Science Foundation) funding to support student research. Recognition of his impact on the field is evident from his co-organization of the Conference on Artificial Life since 2018, and his work on the organizing committee of Genetic Programming Theory and Practice since 2024.

Distinguished Early-Career Scholar Award

Jakia Marie, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Integrative Studies

Jakia Marie is an accomplished author and researcher focused on the experiences of African descendants in higher education, social experiences, and identity negotiation. Her work abroad was recognized and disseminated at the African Studies Association of Africa 5th Biennial Conference in Lubumbashi and the National Council for Black Studies. While promoting her scholarship through ten papers, two edited books, and numerous presentations, she has mentored many students including a Student Scholar Day Micro Grant recipient. Despite her brief time in the field, Marie’s work has already been cited over 150 times.

Distinguished Early-Career Scholar Award

Sean Woznicki, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute

Sean Woznicki has built a successful research program that uses statistical modeling, satellite data, and field monitoring to assess the impacts of climate and land use change on water quantity and quality. While at GVSU, he has published 11 peer-reviewed papers, several of which include student coauthors. His research has been funded by grants from NASA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Geological Survey, and others. With projects including Muskegon Lake recreational use, invasive algal species in the Great Lakes, and water use in Eastern Europe, the local, national, and international significance of his interdisciplinary work is notable.
 

Brad Wallar, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry

Brad Wallar received the 2024 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award from the Michigan Association of State Universities. He is lauded for using real-life examples to connect students to cutting-edge concepts from COVID, cancer, and antibiotic resistance research. He has designed his Techniques in Biochemistry class to mimic a research lab more typically found in industry or graduate school, enhancing students’ understanding of biochemistry techniques. Wallar said his dedicated faculty mentorship of students is steeped in his own experiences, where as a first-generation college graduate he connected with faculty members who helped him find a fulfilling career. He has served as a faculty mentor for 16 Honors College projects, five Goldwater Scholarship applicants, 11 Student Summer Scholars, two Modified Student Summer Scholars, a Beckman Scholar, three McNair Scholars, and five RISE Scholars.