Faculty Awards
Grand Valley State University honors our excellent faculty in a range of areas of accomplishment: faculty who teach in and outside of the classroom, contribute significant scholarship that advances their profession and enriches their teaching, offer inspired mentoring to our students, and provide dedicated service to the campus and community. Click on the award name below for further information and criteria for each award. Links are provided for a list of previous recipients.
Glenn A. Niemeyer Award
University Outstanding Teacher Award
Distinguished Contribution in a Discipline Award
Outstanding University Service Award
Outstanding Community Service Award
Outstanding Academic Advising & Student Services Award
Haas-Stiner Undergraduate Mentoring Award
Internationalization Award
Pew Awards for Excellence
CSCE Awards for Scholarly and Creative Excellence
Other Awards
University Awards for Excellence
Glenn A. Niemeyer Award
Faculty selected are honored for their excellence, enthusiasm and loyalty to teaching., scholarship and service. Nominees should have a superior student-centered approach to teaching with continued development of excellence in the classroom that instills students with a love of learning. They create new knowledge and explore its applications through scholarly activity. They also contribute their expertise and service to the University, professional organizations, and/or the community.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipients
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.
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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.
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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
Faculty members honored must use multiple approaches in classroom/laboratory instruction and evaluation; stimulate intellectual curiosity in students; show evidence of being current in field/disciple; demonstrate commitment to student learning as instructor, role model, or positive influence on career development of students; and reflect on past teaching experience to improve current practice. In addition, faculty must demonstrate characteristics of outstanding teaching by demonstrating that course expectations have consistently high standards and designing pedagogies to maximize students' engagement in their learning and provide exemplary support so that all students can be successful.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipient
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
Award honors a faculty member whose performance in scholarly or creative activities, or whose contributions through service to professional organizations, is clearly outstanding. The award may recognize a single, clearly exceptional accomplishment or a continued record of achievement.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipient
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
Faculty member committed to service to the university.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipient
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
Faculty member committed to community service that uses the faculty member's professional expertise.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipient
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.
Outstanding Academic Advising & Student Services Award
One faculty member and one AP staff member who consistently demonstrate outstanding academic advising and service to students.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipient
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.
Haas-Stiner Undergraduate Mentoring Award
This prestigious award is given to honor an early career faculty member at GVSU who demonstrates their understanding of their disciplines through writing, research, and active engagement of undergraduate students.
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2025 Recipient
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.”
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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.
Internationalization Award
Award honors a faculty member for significant service, teaching, program development, international projects, and other contributions to the internationalization of the University and campus community. It recognizes the achievements of tenured, tenure-track, or affiliate faculty members who advance international education and the global learning mission at GVSU.
Criteria Recipients
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2025 Recipient
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.
Pew Awards for Excellence
The Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center presents several awards that honor excellent teaching in the classroom.
Pew Teaching Excellence Award
(Previous Recipients)
Pew Teaching with Technology Award
(Previous Recipients)
Pew Excellence Award for Library Faculty
(Previous Recipients)
Pew Teaching Excellence Award for Part-Time Faculty
(Previous Recipients)
Pew Excellence Award for Teaching and Learning Enrichment
(Previous Recipients)
Burch, Jacobs, and Moore Diversity Teaching Excellence
(Previous Recipients)
CSCE Awards for Scholarly and Creative Excellence
The Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence presents several awards that honor excellent scholarship.
Distinguished Early Career Scholar Award
(Previous Recipients)
Distinguished Undergraduate Mentoring Award
(Previous Recipients)
Distinguished Graduate Mentoring Award
(Previous Recipients)
OTHER AWARDS
Outstanding Educator Award
Faculty member who has had the most significant impact on the careers of alumni. Presented by the Alumni Association.
(Previous Recipients)
Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year - Michigan Association of State Universities
The Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year program recognizes the outstanding contributions made by the faculty from Michigan's public universities to the education of undergraduate students.
(Previous Recipients)
Michigan Association of Governing Boards Award
no longer presented
(Previous Recipients)
State Excellence in Teaching Award
no longer presented
(Previous Recipients)