School of Education Awards Recipients
2023-2024 Awards
Outstanding Scholarship Award
Jaime E. Welborn, Ph.D.
The Outstanding Scholarship Award recognizes a faculty member for the most important research product (or strand of research) that was conducted or published within the past three years, selecting a faculty member who has made significant scholarly contributions to their discipline or to the relevant field of study. Jaime E. Welborn, Ph.D., assistant professor, is receiving this award for her scholarship in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion, specifically her work in cultural proficiency. Her research, professional development work, and state/national presentations on cultural proficiency have resulted in the publication of numerous journal articles, a book on cultural proficiency as well as an accompanying user’s handbook, and many opportunities to share this research and its impact on a national stage.
Superior Service Award
Kathryn Mitchell Pierce, Ph.D.
The Superior Service Award recognizes a faculty member based on their superior accomplishments for service within the past year. Kathryn Mitchell Pierce, Ph.D., associate professor, is receiving this award for her contributions to the School of Education, particularly for her work in the program review process for Graduate Educational Studies, oversight of the Ph.D. redesign process, and redesigning and cochairing the SOE Faculty Assembly.
Outstanding Teaching, Advising, and/or Mentoring Award
Donna Jahnke, Ph.D.
The Outstanding Teaching, Advising, and/or Mentoring Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding teaching, advising, and/or mentoring that supports the School of Education's students. Donna Jahnke, Ph.D., assistant professor, is receiving this award for her excellence in teaching and her outstanding mentoring and advising. Her ability to inspire, challenge and support her students is a testament to her commitment to their success.
Staff Excellence Awards
Karissa Sywulka
The Staff Excellence Award recognizes School of Education staff members for their dedicated service to Saint Louis University and the broader St. Louis community. Karissa Sywulka is receiving this award for her her work as the director of the STL Teaching Fellows, acting as the “cheerleader” for dozens of fellows and ensuring that all fellows are seen, appreciated, supported, and celebrated as new teachers. Her kind spirit and words remind students that they can and will be successful.
Elizabeth Nutt
Elizabeth Nutt is receiving the Staff Excellence Award for her role as executive assistant, where she is often called upon to “put the pieces of a puzzle” together. From office space to staffing needs, she is creative in her solutions. And she does far more behind the scenes than most realize. Budgets, faculty contracts, supporting campuswide executive searches, and overseeing student workers are just a few things included in her daily work.
Service Awards
5 years
Donna Jahnke, Ph.D.
Angela Moret, Ed.D.
10 years
Jessica Leonard, Ph.D.
Joseph Nichols, Ph.D.
15 years
Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D.
* Nominations for 2024-2025 Outstanding Scholarship; Superior Service; Outstanding
Teaching, Advising, and/or Mentoring; and Staff Excellence Awards will open August
1, 2025.
Outstanding Scholarship Award
Cameron Anglum, Ph.D.
The Outstanding Scholarship Award recognizes a faculty member for the most important research product (or strand of research) that was conducted or published within the past three years, selecting a faculty member who has made significant scholarly contributions to their discipline or to the relevant field of study. Cameron Anglum, Ph.D., assistant professor, is receiving this award for his scholarship in the field of education, specifically his work concerning teacher labor markets. His research on the subject has resulted in the publication of numerous journal articles, op-eds, and policy briefs.
Superior Service Award
Jessica Leonard, Ph.D.
The Superior Service Award recognizes a faculty member based on their superior accomplishments for service within the past year. Jessica Leonard, Ph.D., assistant professor, is receiving this award because of her commitment to the teaching profession, specifically for her work with our Belize partnership. Perseverance with this partnership has allowed it to be successful, supporting scholars across the country of Belize.
Outstanding Teaching, Advising, and/or Mentoring Award
Jonathan Turk, Ph.D.
The Outstanding Teaching, Advising, and/or Mentoring Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding teaching, advising, and/or mentoring that supports the School of Education's students. Jonathan Turk, Ph.D., assistant professor, is receiving this award because of his continued commitment to his students and the SLU community. Jon’s focus on inclusivity and his willingness to listen to students makes him an asset to the SOE.
Staff Excellence Awards
Amy Clark
Skylah Hunter
Jeanette Katic
The Staff Excellence Award recognizes School of Education staff members for their dedicated service to Saint Louis University and the broader St. Louis community. Amy Clark, Skylah Hunter, and Jeanette Katic are each receiving this award because of their work with Access Academies. They make up Access’s team of college counselors who are dedicated to helping their students find their best-fit post-secondary path. The SOE is honored to house this program and is grateful to these three amazing women for the work they do for students in our St. Louis community.
Julie King
Julie King is receiving the Staff Excellence Award for her exceptional support of the School of Education. Julie’s organization and attention to detail is instrumental to the success of our SOE programs. Her focus on community building encourages members of the SOE to gather together and to celebrate our successes.
Service Awards
5 years
Merlene Gilb, Ed.D.
Julie King
Elizabeth Nutt
Diane Richter, Ph.D.
Maureen Wangard, Ph.D.
Jaime Welborn, Ph.D.
10 years
Dannielle Davis, Ph.D.
20 years
Karen Tichy, Ed.D.
25 years
Mary "Rina" Chittooran, Ph.D.