GVSU Education Programs News
Three Education faculty receive awards
February 05, 2024
Three Education faculty members received 2024 GVSU Faculty Awards. These were presented at the Faculty Awards Convocation on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Loosemore Auditorium, located within the Richard M. DeVos Center on GVSU's Pew Campus. The awards honor the outstanding contributions of our Education faculty.
Megan Freudigmann, M.S., received the Pew Teaching with Technology Award. This award recognizes faculty who use technology in innovative ways, including teaching and course design. By working to improve current practices through technology, faculty can maximize students’ engagement in their learning and equip them with resources and skills for their careers.
Freudigmann facilitates immersive learning experiences, allowing future educators to refine their teaching skills in simulated environments and mixed-modality classrooms. These experiences bolster students’ confidence and creativity and instill in them a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of technology in education. Freudigmann coordinated the integration of GoReact, a video assignment platform that enhances teacher education feedback mechanisms. She also implemented Mursion technology, fostering immersive training simulations for teacher candidates through avatars. One student commented, “Her dedication to supporting her students, her focus on equity and inclusion, and her innovative use of technology make her an exemplary educator.” Freudigmann is a Senior Affiliate Faculty of Teaching and Learning, and joined Grand Valley State University in 2012.
Laila McCloud, Ph.D., was presented with a Distinguished Early-Career Scholar Award from theCenter for Scholarly and Creative Excellence. This honors remarkable instructors at GVSU who began their independent scholarship within the past six years. Award recipients must demonstrate mastery in their field, contribute significantly to research and creative practice, and have earned national recognition for their outstanding achievements.
McCloud is an award-winning researcher, nationally recognized for her work on higher education research. She has published six peer-reviewed articles, one book chapter, and has given several presentations. McCloud was interviewed by the Chronicle of Higher Education for her influential work on un-grading and innovative pedagogical practices. She was recognized as an Emerging Scholar by the American College Personnel Association and received the 2022 Robert Schaffer Award for excellent graduate teaching and mentoring. She currently serves as associate editor of the About Campus journal and sits on the editorial board of two other journals. McCloud’s impacts go well beyond GVSU! She is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling, and joined Grand Valley State University in 2021.
Kathryn Ohle, Ph.D., was recognized with the Outstanding Academic Advising & Student Services Award. This award is selected by the Laker Academic Advising Network’s (LAAN) Training and Development Committee and presented by the Provost. Recipients are strong mentors to GVSU students beyond the person's normal professional responsibilities, regardless of their professional role. Faculty are trusted advocates and advisors to students in their program, providing holistic resources, listening, and referrals to meet their students' needs.
Ohle is an exemplary faculty mentor for students. Specializing in the Birth to Kindergarten program and the Early Childhood Education program, she consistently provides students with the best information and options available. With her deep knowledge of curriculum and scheduling, she ensures that students are on track to meet their academic goals. Ohle’s attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and caring nature make her an invaluable resource for students. Her commitment to clear and consistent student support, coupled with her passion for early childhood education, greatly contributes to the quality of our programs at GVSU. Her professionalism, engagement, compassion, and extensive knowledge of GVSU policies and procedures make her an outstanding colleague. Ohle is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning, and joined Grand Valley State University in 2019.