School of Education Honors Faculty Awards
David DeJong, Ed.D., an assistant professor of educational administration, earned the award in the excellence in teaching category. This award recognizes faculty members for collegiality in teaching, outstanding instruction, current content, methods that advance the mission of the School of Education and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
DeJong, who advises the superintendent program at USD, uses real-life simulations to challenge students to work through professional situations they may encounter.
“It has been exciting to incorporate innovative educational leadership simulations into my courses,” said DeJong. “My students are immersed in a first-person, multimedia simulation based on an authentic leadership problem of practice.
The School of Education award for research excellence went to Gabrielle Strouse, Ph.D., an assistant professor of counseling and psychology in education, for exemplary performance in creating and disseminating knowledge through research. This award recognizes outstanding performance in all research-related activities that promote and elevate the standing of the Division and School of Education.
Strouse’s research concentration is the media’s influence on young children. This includes exploring ways to make media itself more educational for children.
“I am very thankful to Dean Easton-Brooks, the School of Education, my division and CBBRe for all of the resources they have provided to help me move my research agenda forward,” said Strouse. “I look forward to future research collaborations with faculty and students here at USD.”
Jing Williams, Ph.D., assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, was honored with the service award for high impact service to the School of Education, profession, and community. This award recognizes effort that leaves an impact on the lives of others.
“Service is an integral part of my teaching and research. It helps me find new ideas for teaching and new topics for research. Receiving an award of service was never my goal, but I am honored to be selected as this year’s recipient,” said Williams.
