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GVSU Education Programs News
Education faculty advance inclusive excellence through teaching, research, and student engagement
December 18, 2025
Faculty in Literacy, Educational Foundations, and Technology (LEFT) department are being recognized for their meaningful contributions to inclusive excellence, graduate education, and high-impact research experiences. Nagnon Diarrassouba, associate professor of LEFT, received the Graduate Student Association Kimboko Inclusion Award at the Fall 2025 Graduate School Citation Awards for Academic Excellence. The award honors faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarship, creative work, or service that advances diversity and inclusion in GVSU’s graduate community. Named in recognition of Dr. Priscilla Kimboko, GVSU’s first Dean of Graduate Education, the award reflects her enduring commitment to equity and inclusion, values exemplified through Dr. Diarrassouba’s work and mentorship.
At the same time, Leanne Kang, associate professor in LEFT, continues to expand student-centered research opportunities through the GRPS Uncovered Project. Through multiple funding sources, Dr. Kang has secured support for three research assistants this academic year, strengthening the project’s capacity and providing hands-on research experience for students. In recognition of their commitment to undergraduate research, Dr. Kang and two undergraduate researchers were selected to participate in the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) 2025–2026 Students Transforming Research (STR) Program, which includes both virtual training and an in-person experience in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the research team here!
Together, these accomplishments highlight the LEFT department’s dedication to inclusive leadership, mentorship, and high-impact learning. Dr. Kang and her research team expressed gratitude to Associate Dean Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury and the Dean’s Office for their support and look forward to sharing insights from their STR experience with the College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) in the coming year.