Five University of Michigan lecturers have been honored for their outstanding contributions to instruction and inclusive teaching.
Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, named Patrick Boland, Jennifer Metsker, Maria Rodriguez, and Ellen Poteet as 2024-25 Collegiate Lecturers. Kelsey McLendon received the 2024 Lecturer Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award.
The university awards up to four Collegiate Lecturer titles annually to lecturers II and IV who demonstrate sustained excellence in teaching, service, or other contributions. The LEIT Award, open to all lecturer classifications, recognizes excellence in inclusive teaching practices.
Summaries drawn from letters of support for each honoree are provided below:
Patrick Boland
Lecturer II in LSA’s Department of Mathematics
Boland is recognized for his innovative approach to course development and his commitment to engaging students. He was nominated for multiple Golden Apple teaching awards and received the Michigan Housing Honored Instructor award in 2019 and 2020.
Jennifer Metsker
Lecturer IV in Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
Metsker has enriched the Stamps School curriculum through innovative teaching practices. She redesigned Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis-writing assignments during the pandemic to meet current educational needs and prepare students for their careers.
Maria (Mabel) Rodriguez
Lecturer IV in LSA’s Residential College
Rodriguez has significantly contributed to her students and the migrant community through her innovative teaching methods. She founded and redesigned the Migrant Outreach and Education course and co-authored a textbook on advanced Spanish composition.
Ellen Poteet
Lecturer II in LSA’s Department of History
Poteet was recognized posthumously for her dedication to teaching and innovative approaches. She was honored with the Undergraduate Teaching award in 2018. Poteet passed away on April 3, 2024, in Batouri, Cameroon.
Kelsey McLendon
Lecturer III in College of Engineering Technical Communication
McLendon is dedicated to equitable and inclusive teaching practices. She has organized workshops and speaker series to enhance faculty skills in inclusive teaching and revamped technical communication modules to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
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