PNW’s Center for Faculty Excellence celebrates exemplary teaching and student-centered learning at luncheon
Several Purdue University Northwest faculty members spoke on practical approaches to fostering student belonging, engagement and persistence.
Purdue University Northwest’s Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) hosted its annual “Celebrating Excellence: Taking Pride in Our Teaching” event on March 27, bringing together faculty and staff for a day of dialogue, reflection and recognition focused on teaching excellence, professional growth and student success.
Central to the day’s programming was the Celebrating Excellence Recognition Luncheon, which honored over 100 faculty members and instructors for their contributions to teaching excellence, instructional innovation and ongoing professional development.
Honors included the annual Outstanding Teacher Awards, presented to John Durocher, Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health, and Deanne Shimala, clinical assistant professor of Accounting and Finance.
Teaching Incentive Program recognitions and nationally recognized credentials through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) Certificate in Effective Teaching Practices and related microcredentials focused on learner-centered course design and active learning.
Faculty members were also acknowledged for leadership and innovation in emerging instructional areas, including the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching. Mark Mabrito, professor of English, was recognized as the Center for Faculty Excellence AI Faculty Fellow.
Additional recognitions highlighted faculty commitment to continuous improvement and reflective practice through Change One Thing Certificates. A full list of those recognized is available at the Celebrating Excellence webpage.
Purdue University Northwest faculty members honored during the Center for Faculty Excellence’s 2026 “Celebrating Excellence: Taking Pride in Our Teaching” luncheon pose for a group photo.
“These recognitions reflect the extraordinary dedication of PNW faculty to their students and to continually strengthening their teaching,” said Emily Hixon, executive director of the Center for Faculty Excellence. “The luncheon was an opportunity to pause, celebrate and acknowledge the significant impact this work has on student learning and success.”
The recognition luncheon followed two panel discussions that framed the day’s celebrations within the broader context of the student experience and human-centered teaching.
These recognitions reflect the extraordinary dedication of PNW faculty to their students and to continually strengthening their teaching.
Emily Hixon, executive director of the Center for Faculty Excellence
The morning began with a PNW student panel, “Balancing Life and Learning: How Faculty Can Support Today’s Students,” where students shared insights into navigating academic, professional and personal responsibilities.
Student panelists included:
- Diaka Burruss, Communication major
- Hannah Chorba, Communication major
- Jaydon Hoak, Finance major
- Kayla Patterson, Nursing major
- Dylan Smith, Applied Mathematics & Statistics major
Several Purdue University Northwest students shared their perspectives with attendees on navigating academic, professional and personal responsibilities.
A faculty panel, “Humanizing the Higher Ed Experience: Building Relationships for Student Success,” followed, highlighting practical approaches to fostering student belonging, engagement and persistence.
Faculty panelists included:
- Matthew Bauman, assistant professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Jesus De La Cruz, lecturer of Engineering Technology
- Toqa Hassan, assistant professor of Digital Media
- Jamie Kozel, clinical assistant professor of Nursing
Together, the panels and luncheon underscored Purdue University Northwest’s commitment to cultivating student-centered, supportive learning environments and to recognizing faculty members who exemplify excellence in teaching.
For more information about the Center for Faculty Excellence and its faculty development programs, visit pnw.edu/center-faculty-excellence.