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The Excellence in Teaching (EIT) Committee at Central Connecticut State University announced the winners of the annual EIT Awards during Faculty Appreciation Day on May 3. The committee presents the award to one full-time faculty member and one part-time faculty member every year.
Dr. Jessica Smith of Stafford Springs, a professor of Biomolecular Science, won the full-time faculty award. Adjunct Marketing professor Alana Ledford of Avon received the award for part-time faculty.
Finalists for the award this year include Cassandra Forsythe, Physical Education & Human Performance; Maria Mongillo, Educational Leadership & Instructional Technology; and Erica Nelson, Dance.
To be eligible for the EIT Award, professors must be nominated by a Central student. This year, students nominated 249 faculty (70 part-time and 179 full-time). Of those nominees, 79 faculty submitted complete applications for the EIT Award consideration (20 part-time and 59 full-time). Members of the EIT Committee evaluated each faculty member; conducted in-depth discussions; and selected and interviewed semi-finalists.
In welcoming remarks before the ceremony, President Toro said, "This day truly illustrates the heart of Central’s mission: teaching, learning, and the dynamic experience of intellectual engagement, and I consider myself very fortunate to work alongside you.”
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The winners and finalists for the 2024 EIT awards are shown here with President Toro. (Photo by Shelly Sindland)