The Excellence in Online Teaching award is bestowed by University Online Education Services in recognition of outstanding work in the design and teaching of online courses to create meaningful, effective learning experiences for students.
Excellence in Online Teaching Awards 2025
Online Program Management and Administration
Winners:
Dr. Hadi El-Farr, Professional Masters in Human Resource Management Program - School of Management and Labor Relations, New Brunswick
Dr. Dasantila Sherifi, Health Information Management Program - School of Health Professions, Rutgers Health
Honorable Mention:
Dr. Edward Werner, Master of Accountancy Program - School of Business, Camden
Online Course Design
Winners:
Dr. Preston Vernard Leicester Lindsay, Applied Psychology - Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, New Brunswick
Dr. Christine Harrington, Learning and Teaching - Graduate School of Education, New Brunswick
Dr. David J. Pedersen, Finance and Financial Planning - School of Business, Camden
Honorable Mention:
Dr. Ben Justice, Educational Theory, Policy and Administration - Graduate School of Education, New Brunswick
Dr. Terri Kurtzberg, Management and Global Business - Rutgers Business School, Newark and New Brunswick
Dr. Jennifer Manoukian, Armenian Studies - School of Arts and Sciences, New Brunswick
DEI & Accessibility
Winners:
Dr. Cynthia Simon, Disability Studies - Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Dr. Kristina Chew, Classics - School of Arts and Sciences, New Brunswick
Award Categories
Excellence in Online Course Design
This category recognizes educators who exhibit exceptional skill and innovation in crafting online and hybrid courses. Awardees in this category demonstrate a keen understanding of instructional technology, pedagogical principles, and engagement strategies. This award celebrates educators who create dynamic, thoughtfully structured courses, fostering interactive and collaborative learning experiences that make creative use of the online environment.
Excellence in DEI & Accessibility
This category honors instructors who excel in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their online teaching practices. Awardees in this category prioritize creating an inclusive digital classroom where all students can thrive. Through their commitment to DEI and accessibility, these educators contribute to a more equitable online education landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and enriching the educational experience for all learners.
Excellence in Online Program Administration
This category celebrates those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in managing online educational programs. This award recognizes achievements in advancing online learning through strategic vision, effective program development, and a commitment to inclusivity and student success.
Eligibility
Rutgers faculty members and lecturers who have taught one or more academic credit-bearing online courses are eligible for the Excellence in Online Course Design and Excellence in DEI & Accessibility. At least one course must have been taught for at least two semesters prior to application/nomination.
Rutgers faculty and staff who are responsible for the administration of one or more fully online degree or standalone for-credit certificate program are eligible for the Excellence in Online Program Administration.
2024 Award Winners
Excellence in Online Course Design:
Dr. Bari Hanafi - Earth and Planetary Sciences, SAS NB
Dr. Nathan C. Walker - Philosophy and Religion, CAS Camden
Excellence in DEI & Accessibility
Dr. Carla Giaudrone - World Languages and Cultures, CAS Camden
Excellence in Non-Credit Programming
Maggie Albright-Pierce - Psychology, SAS NB