Wichita State University's College of Education recognized faculty, staff and partners for their outstanding contributions during its 2026 faculty and staff awards event.
Recipients were recognized during the annual College of Education awards event on April 17, 2026, for their impact through teaching, research, service, innovation, leadership and student support across the university, the college and the communities they serve.
College of Education Champion Award
Project Teacher
Project Teacher was recognized for their outstanding partnership and support of the College of Education. Founded in Wichita, Project Teacher is the only year-round teacher resource center in Kansas, providing free classroom supplies to educators across the state and supporting thousands of students.
Under Terry Johnson’s leadership, the organization has expanded its impact through supply distributions, literacy and STEAM resource kits, and initiatives that support educators at every stage of their careers. In partnership with Credit Union of America, Project Teacher provided classroom supply boxes to graduates of the Teacher Apprentice Program during their pinning ceremony. The organization has also supported alumni through events such as the Back to School Bash and collaborated with the School Counseling program to provide professional resource kits for practicum and internship students.
University Awards
Wichita State University Leadership in the Advancement of Teaching Award — Dr. Daniel
Bergman, professor of science education
Dr. Daniel Bergman was recognized for his leadership in advancing teaching at Wichita
State University. Over more than 18 years, he has contributed to numerous university
initiatives, including serving as Faculty Retention Fellow and teaching First-Year
Seminar courses since the program’s inception. His work in teacher education includes
extensive publications, including Teaching is for Superheroes!, and has supported student research presentations at state and university conferences.
Wichita State University Tenure Track Faculty Risk Taker Award — Dr. Chris Proppe,
faculty member in Human Performance Studies
Dr. Chris Proppe was recognized for innovative leadership early in his tenure at Wichita
State. He led accreditation efforts for the undergraduate Strength and Conditioning
Exercise Science track through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning
Education, guiding a comprehensive self-study process while continuing to contribute
through teaching, mentoring and research.
Wichita State University Academy for Effective Teaching Award — Robin Folkerts, elementary
education program chair and assistant teaching educator
Robin Folkerts was recognized for excellence in teaching based on student feedback
and a comprehensive review of her teaching portfolio. Her work reflects a strong commitment
to preparing future educators and modeling effective teaching practices in the classroom.
College of Education Awards
Lindquist Teaching Award — Dr. Chelsea Redger-Marquardt, assistant professor in Sport
and Leadership Studies and assistant dean in the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College
Dr. Chelsea Redger-Marquardt was recognized for creating meaningful learning experiences
that connect classroom knowledge with community impact. Through a partnership with
ICT Food Rescue, she guided students in completing feasibility studies that applied
leadership and partnership development skills in a real-world setting. Her student-centered
approach includes scaffolded learning, flexible course design and mentorship that
supports student growth.
Research Award — Dr. Jason Li, associate professor
Dr. Jason Li was recognized for an outstanding record of scholarship in counselor
education and career development. His work includes more than 1,000 citations, multiple
awards and research on topics such as social cognitive career theory, acculturation
and mental health. His current research explores the role of artificial intelligence
in counselor education and is supported by a $60,000 grant from the Spencer Education
Foundation.
Service Award — Dr. Jeff Noble, associate professor and applied learning coordinator
in the Sport and Leadership Studies Department
Dr. Jeff Noble was recognized for exceptional service to his department, the college
and the broader community. His leadership includes work on program committees, accreditation
efforts and faculty governance, including chairing the College of Education Faculty
Personnel Committee. He also supports student success through his role as undergraduate
program coordinator for Sport Management.
Technology Innovation Award — Dr. Patty Nuhfer, assistant professor in the School
Psychology program
Dr. Patty Nuhfer was recognized for innovative use of technology to expand access
and support educators across Kansas. She developed partnerships with rural schools,
secured funding for virtual professional development and created a centralized digital
library of intervention materials that provides educators with accessible, high-quality
resources and training.
Outstanding Non-Instructional Administrative Staff Award — Michelle Critchfield, business
manager and executive assistant in the College of Education Dean’s Office
Michelle Critchfield was recognized for exceptional leadership, professionalism and
attention to detail in supporting the college’s operations. She led the college’s
transition back to the Corbin Education Center and strengthened communication through
initiatives such as the weekly CED Top 10. She also played a key role in coordinating
the college’s Centennial celebration.
Outstanding Non-Instructional Student-Centric Staff Award — Nichole Woods, lead academic
advisor for the Teacher Apprentice Program and College of Education
Nichole Woods was recognized for her strong commitment to student success through
thoughtful, student-centered advising. She creates a supportive environment, anticipates
challenges and provides individualized guidance that strengthens student confidence,
retention and engagement.
Special Awards
Human Performance Studies Department
The Human Performance Studies Department was recognized for its years of academic
service to Exercise Science and Athletic Training students within the College of Education.
The department’s contributions in teaching, scholarship and student support have played
an important role in the college’s success.
Retirement Recognition
Susie Steinbach, administrative specialist for the Sport and Leadership Studies Department
Susie Steinbach was recognized for her dedicated service since 2016, supporting numerous
initiatives within the department and serving as a trusted colleague.
Dr. Deanna Gooch, assistant clinical professor in the CLES Department
Dr. Deanna Gooch was recognized for her contributions to programs including District
Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring, and her leadership of the Kansas Mentoring and
Induction Center, supporting educators and district leaders across Kansas.
Dr. Jean Patterson, professor of educational leadership in the CLES Department
Dr. Jean Patterson was recognized for 27 years of service to the College of Education.
Her teaching and mentorship have prepared generations of educational leadership students
and made a lasting impact on schools and communities.
