This fall, NCE faculty members Angela Elkordy, Donna Wakefield, and Kathleen Kotel were honored by NLU for their outstanding teaching, research, and service.

Angela Elkordy, assistant professor, Learning Sciences Education, won the National Louis University Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Inquiry Award for her commitment to research that enhances understanding within a field of study, her engagement with community partners, and her publications and presentations that substantially advance knowledge within the field. She had this to say about how the award impacts her work: "In my role as an educator, I'm passionate about empowering aspiring researchers to study social systems within their contexts by sharing research methods, perspectives, and inquiry skills. Educational research leverages generative inquiry, collaboration, and optimism to advance an equitable future. It is heartwarming and inspiring to me that my colleagues recognize my work in this domain."

Donna Wakefield, associate professor, Special Education, won the National Louis University Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition of her commitment to instruction that promotes student engagement and employs creative, diverse, and innovative teaching strategies that enhance student learning. Commenting on her award, Donna said, "I have been teaching at NLU for over 20 years, and I thoroughly enjoy working with our students. They are the reason I keep doing this! In fact, after starting as an adjunct professor, I decided to pursue my Ph.D., in part, to teach at the university level full-time. If I can teach my students how to better work with the children they will be teaching, I know I will have made a difference in multiple lives."

During National Louis University's 134th and 135th commencement ceremonies, Kathleen Kotel, assistant professor, Special Education, received the NLU Distinguished Teaching Award. The award honors faculty members who demonstrate excellence in creating an engaging classroom environment, fostering peer relationships by creating a sense of classroom community, and mentoring students to achieve success. Kathleen said the following in response to the award: "As a professor, I want my students to experience and understand what it takes to be a great teacher. I try to adopt challenging coursework that will prepare them to be good teachers and do my best to promote engaging discussions that challenge them to think about their own experiences and biases. As a lifelong learner, I want to continue to research and learn about best practices and continue to inspire my students to be intentional and reflective in their practice, so they make a positive difference in the lives of the students they teach."

To see more photographs from the commencement ceremony, click here, or watch the highlights here.