HongKongDoll

Hanner Teaching Excellence Award

The call for nominations occurs during spring semesters.

About the Hanner Teaching Excellence Award 

Established in the College of Health and Human Services during the 2019-2020 academic year, the Hanner Teaching Excellence Award celebrates and honors consistent excellence in teaching. Nominees must be full-time faculty (tenured, tenure-track, or annually contracted faculty) with at least three consecutive academic years of employment at Eastern Illinois University, and who have not received the award previously. The College of Education, Health, and Human Services Scholarship and Awards Committee, with faculty representation from each academic unit in the college, reviews each nomination and forwards a recommendation to the Dean’s Office for consideration. The award is made possible through the generous support of Dr. Mary Anne Hanner, former Dean of the College of Sciences, and her husband, Dale Hanner, and the college is grateful for their continued contribution and support! 

Congratulations to 2026 Award Recipient, Dr. Nikki Hillier!

Dr. Hillier is faculty in the Department of Public Health and Nutrition and is known for her strong teaching and support for students. Dr. Hillier's students commented on her commitment to high-quality instruction, regardless of the teaching modality, and dedication that extends across her roles as instructor, internship coordinator, graduate coordinator, and Eta Sigma Gamma advisor. One student commented "Through Dr. Hillier's consistent encouragement and support, I grew into a more confident and capable student." Dr. Hillier's colleagues highlighted her commitment to building rapport with students and finding creative, experiential avenues to connect students to the profession. Dr. Hillier was recently awarded the Graduate Leadership Award for creating a new micro-credential for the graduate curriculum, which offers an additional marketable credential that will benefit students as they pursue their careers. CEHHS is grateful for Dr. Hillier's outstanding achievement!

Recipients

Spring 2025: Dr. Maranda Schaljo - Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation

Spring 2024: Dr. Richard Clapp - School of Nursing

Spring 2023: Ms. Trina Becker - Communication Disorders and Sciences 

Spring 2022: Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke - Human Services 

Spring 2021: Dr. Linda Simpson - Human Services

Spring 2020: Ms. Jill Fahy - Communication Disorders and Sciences