To ensure a fair and rigorous selection process, we invite teaching and learning experts from other institutions to serve as external judges for the Celebration of Teaching. These judges are experienced educators, curriculum designers, and pedagogy specialists who bring an informed and objective perspective to the evaluation process.
During the event, judges carefully review all faculty and staff presentations—both poster and lightning presentations—using a structured judging rubric based on the Learning Experience Framework, which includes the following criteria:
Following their review, the judges convene to deliberate and select the top two presenters whose work best exemplifies these standards. This external review process ensures that outstanding teaching and learning innovations are recognized and celebrated, further strengthening our university’s commitment to teaching excellence and student success.
Our past judges come from diverse disciplines and bring a wealth of expertise in teaching, learning, and curriculum design. While their academic backgrounds vary, each judge is a recognized expert in pedagogy and instructional innovation, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of faculty presentations. Their collective experience in higher education and commitment to student success make them well-equipped to assess and celebrate outstanding teaching practices.
Dr. Kathleen Jacobi, Director of Faculty Development at Ball State University
Dr. Jacobi’s department serves faculty and staff by pursuing, developing, and implementing best practices in teaching, learning, and student support services. Dr. Jacobi and her team provide course development support and instructional guidance in innovative, dynamic ways, reinventing their approaches based on the needs of instructors and learners as they work toward achieving academic excellence.
Dr. Marie Brown, Director of the Center for teaching and Learning at Indiana University Indianapolis
In addition to being the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Brown is an affiliate faculty member in the School of Education at IUI. The Center was founded in 1995 to advance excellence in teaching practices and professional growth among all members of the campus teaching community to enhance student learning and success.
Dr. Sarah Ackermann, Executive Director of Teaching Innovation at Ball State University
Dr. Sarah Ackermann currently serves as Executive Director for Teaching Innovation at Ball State University, where she leads a dynamic and innovative team of instructional consultants, faculty development specialists, technical assessment engineers, and a multimedia designer.
Dr. Lisa Angermeier, Clinical Associate Professor at Indiana University Indianapolis
In addition to her faculty role, she is the coordinator of first-year learning experiences in the School of Health & Human Sciences. She has taught learning communities, first-year seminars, and summer bridge for several years. She is actively involved in the IU Indianapolis Division of Undergraduate Education’s themed-learning community advisory board, providing support and professional development for learning community and first-year seminar faculty.
Dr. Suzanne Plesha
Had been the Director of Immersive Learning at Ball State University, and retired after 20 years at Ball State.
Dr. Frank Ponce, Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University
Dr. Frank Poncé serves as Professor and Program Review Coordinator for the Division of Leadership and Followership Studies in the DeVoe School of Business, Technology, and Leadership. He is a Peer Reviewer and Review Team Leader for the Higher Learning Commission, specializing in assessing teaching and learning, distance learning, and Pell-eligible prison higher education programs.
Scott Lee, J.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science at Indiana University East
Dr. E. Scott Lee is an award-winning educator and a member of the Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching, recognized for his commitment to innovative pedagogy and student engagement. As Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science and an Associate Professor of Political Science at Indiana University East, he specializes in teaching collaborative decision-making, public policy ethics, and the policy process. With a strong focus on critical thinking and experiential learning, Dr. Lee actively contributes to faculty development and the scholarship of teaching and learning.