Photo by Pathik Shah

Nicole Coleman
TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

ENTHUSIASM, APPRECIATION MARK COLEMAN’S TEACHING

Nicole Coleman mentors the next generation of counselors by harnessing their interests and pairing those with her expertise.

The assistant professor of educational psychology says an appreciation for students’ varied experiences is an essential part of learning. She is a recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award.

“I am committed to finding a place of shared understanding,” Coleman said. “I challenge students to think critically through the lens of their previous experiences and future professional goals.”

Whether it is teaching about group counseling or guiding a doctoral student through her internship, her colleagues are impressed not only with her students’ knowledge of subjects but their high level of enthusiasm.

“It seems no matter what the topic, she stimulates students’ interest and involvement in it,” said Jonathan Schwartz, a colleague in the College of Education. “She is able to foster engagement without sacrificing high academic standards.”

The award recognizes tenured or tenure track faculty and honors them with a trophy and a $5,000 prize.

Marisa Ramirez
Staff writer

View full list of 2009 award recipients                          Past award recipients