The 2025 Lindenwood Faculty Awards celebrate the members of faculty who make a difference for the University. Lindenwood's faculty plays a vital role in shaping the University’s success, and each of the 176 faculty members show unwavering dedication to Lindenwood and its values. These awards honor this commitment and celebrate those who have stood out.

Faculty Council Chair Dr. Mitch Nasser spoke on the ceremony’s importance to the University community. “Recognizing faculty contributions benefits those honored and those who witness the honors,” he said. “These colleagues remind us of the importance of our work and inspire us to improve and enhance our contributions to the institution.”

Senior Professor of English Dr. Ana Schnellmann received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Schnellmann's colleagues said, “[Schnellmann is] a professor who truly takes the time to get to know her students on an individual basis.” The statement continued, “[Schnellmann] is the epitome of an excellent teacher. In fact, she has the lowest DFW (drop, fail, withdrawal) rates since not only do students love her, but they also love learning from her.”

Professor of Art History Dr. James Hutson received the Scholar of the Year Award. Hutson was commended for authoring nine books, 44 peer-reviewed articles, and delivering 46 keynote presentations. Hutson also developed the International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education, which has won national and international awards. Additionally, Hutson has collaborated with 57 different co-authors, many of whom are faculty and students. One of Hutson’s colleagues shared, “his mentoring activities have had a broad and lasting impact creating a legacy of academic collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation,” adding “I am not sure he sleeps.”

The Lindenwood Service Award was presented to Associate Professor of Art and Design Joseph Weber. Weber’s colleagues shared some words on his accomplishments throughout the year. One of Weber’s colleagues said, “[Weber] made his own award,” highlighting his constant commitment to the MakerSpace, KCLC, Mane Media, and his work on ESPN’s athletics production. "He is careful, thoughtful, and collaborative ensuring that any decision made is always in the best interest of the department, college, and university mission,” added Weber’s colleagues.

Adjunct Instructor of Dance Amy Gammon ’14, ’16 won the Lindenwood Adjunct Teaching Award. A two-time Lindenwood alumna, Gammon has served as an adjunct instructor for over a decade. Gammon mentors student choreographers, providing personalized support as these students go through the intimidating process of creating their own works. “Gammon is an exceptional educator who exemplifies the highest standards of teaching and mentorship. Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering support for her students make her a standout candidate for the Adjunct Teaching Award,” said Gammon’s nominator.

Director of Faculty Development and Professor of Geography Dr. Meredith Marsh presented the RISE Innovator Award to Spanish Professor Dr. Gabriela Romero. The award honors Romero’s implementation of the RISE pillars of rigor, inclusiveness, support, and engagement. Romero demonstrated these pillars in her online interdisciplinary studies course. Romero developed a podcast assignment in which students interviewed philosophical author Dr. Carrie Jenkins and another expert from a different discipline. Marsh read, “by moving beyond traditional assessments, [Romero] transformed learning into an active experience that built understanding while developing practical skills.”

Lastly, the first ever RISE Connection Awards were presented to one adjunct and one full-time faculty member who have used the RISE pillars to create a sense of connection within their course.

Senior Professor of Psychology Dr. Michiko Nohara-LeClair won the award for full-time faculty. Nohara-LeClair implemented regular one-on-one meetings with all 35 students in her eight-week online course. “[Nohara-LeClair] has demonstrated how fostering intentional connection can bridge the digital divide and create a supportive and fulfilling learning environment,” Marsh read.

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology and Sociology Leslie Barry won the award for adjuncts. Barry asks every student in each of her classes to select personal walk-up songs. Then, Barry selected a different student’s song to play at the start of each class. Marsh spoke on the impact of Barry’s commitment to creating connections. “This fun and supportive strategy for celebrating her students is just one of many ways that Leslie creates meaningful connections,” Marsh said.