By Natalie Byers
At the fall opening convocation for the University, six College of Sciences and Humanities faculty members were recognized for their exceptional service and positive impact on their students, peers, and the entire Ball State community.
Each of these professors has excelled at giving their students the best education to prepare them for their future careers. They are always thinking about how they can improve the learning experience in their courses to best serve their students. Outside the classroom, these faculty also spend much of their time helping students through different programs, projects, and other foundations.
They never do it alone, though. When discussing their award, every winner gave gratitude to their fellow faculty members both in their department and across many others. Every year we are reminded that our faculty are excellent examples of professors who truly love their work and the countless people and communities they impact every day, proving that all of our faculty, regardless of awards, are worthy of our praise and gratitude.
Please join us in congratulating our wonderful faculty for all they do and the difference they make in our University and our students’ lives.
The 2025 Outstanding Faculty Award Winners are:
Lawhead Award in General Education
Associate Director of Writing Center and Associate Teaching Professor of English
This award was established courtesy of gifts from Victor Lawhead, former dean of Ball State’s undergraduate programs, and his wife, Doris Lawhead, a former academic advisor.
It is awarded annually to a faculty member whose contribution to the University Core Curriculum, freshmen activities, and service to the community is recognized by other faculty and students.
Dr. Kat Greene was very honored to be the Lawhead Award’s recipient this year. “There are so many people who are previous Lawhead winners that I consider mentors, and I’m so honored to be a part of this community of educators,” she said.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Assistant Lecturer of Computer Science
The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes teaching of the highest standards of pedagogy, creativity, or innovation in the classroom or their curriculum.
Dr. Ladelle Diekhoff said being acknowledged by the College after only three years at Ball State was both humbling and encouraging to her.
“This award is a reminder of the meaningful relationships and opportunities I’ve been blessed to experience in such a short time, and it inspires me to continue growing and serving with excellence.”
Outstanding Inclusiveness Leadership Award
Associate Professor of Chemistry
This award is given to a faculty member who pioneers innovative methodologies in their teaching to better suit their students’ needs.
Prof. Mary Konkle would particularly like to thank Dr. VJ Rubenstein in the Department of Biology for his generous nomination.
Outstanding Administrator Award
Department Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Associate Professor of Computer Science
The Outstanding Administrator Award is given to a faculty member whose administrative services have had significant impact on students, their fields, the University, and the larger community.
Talking about her department, Dr. Jennifer Coy thanked everyone within the Department of Computer Science.
“We have a fabulous team of people who are focused on doing our best to guide students on their learning journey, which includes time in the classroom, in research collaboration, and in the hallways. I really am honored and blessed to be able to serve as the leader of this great group of people.”
Outstanding Teaching Award
Associate Teaching Professor of Biology
Winners of the Outstanding Teaching Award have demonstrated leadership in teaching methodologies and advancement of the scholarship of teaching.
Dr. Gen Mager is fully committed to improving students’ learning experiences. Recently, she has been spending lots of time on the I-ASCEND Scholarship program to create a meaningful experience for its scholars in Chemistry and Biology.
“It’s a big highlight of my time here at Ball State, getting to really know these students and partner with them to reach their goals.”
The 2025 College of Sciences and Humanities Faculty Award Winners are:
Teacher of the Year
Associate Teaching Professor of Biology
The Teacher of the Year Award is given to a professor in the College of Sciences and Humanities who has shown exemplary scholarship in their teaching, providing the best learning environment for their students.
Dr. Gen Mager said, “I was honestly a bit overwhelmed reading the nomination letters from students, but extremely gratified that I was able to create a learning environment that had such an impact on them. The acknowledgement is also very motivating and will push me to keep putting in the work.”
Inclusive Leadership Award
Associate Professor of Chemistry
and
Associate Professor of Chinese
This award is given to CSH faculty who have led the way across their departments to pioneer innovative teaching methodologies to better suit the needs of their students.
Prof. Mary Konkle says she aims “to provide access for students to their dream vocation and purpose through mentored scientific exploration.” Her work on the LSAMP grant from the National Science Foundation was just a piece of the larger arc of increasing opportunities for Ball State students.
Dr. Liu Li felt extremely honored by her award because it’s recognition from the College of the hard work faculty members have done. As a result, she wants to engage even more in both the community and the College of Sciences and Humanities.
“I love Ball State—my students, colleagues and nearby communities. They are the reason why I work hard.”
Learn more about each of these faculty awards.