April 2025 Everyday Teaching Awardees

Ava Farahany “She is an online faculty for the RN BS program. Her creative course assignments are focused on engaging students in relevant work that applies to their work as an RN. For example, one assginment asks students to apply their Stand Out 2.0 leadership strengths to develop a care coordination “superhero” and then to develop a comic strip using Canva to promote their superhero strengths in the workplace and promote quality nursing care. This assignment demonstrates her commitment to using innovative online teaching strategies to reinforce important concepts that promote student retention of the topic. Additionally, students loved this activity, as it was a departure from the normal assignment and allowed them the opportunity to be creative.”

Kathleen McDonald “Kathleen McDonald is an educator who brings deep care, expertise, and real-world experience into her teaching. She is passionate about ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in the nonprofit sector, thoughtfully shaping her courses to focus on the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Kathleen’s commitment extends beyond the classroom—she actively contributes to curriculum improvements, proactively collaborates with department leadership, and engages in faculty development, including national webinars, to continually enhance her teaching. She not only teaches about nonprofit work but lives it, volunteering locally with her aspiring therapy dog and staying intricately aware of the impact of nonprofits on communities. Kathleen’s leadership as a member of the Adjunct Advisory Board, along with her ability to adapt her teaching to the fast-paced seven-week format, showcases her dedication to student success and the field of nonprofit management.”