Nursing Professor is 2012 UMC Exemplary Teacher
Lebanon, Ill. — Dr. Martha McDonald isn’t one to seek the spotlight but when she was
announced as the 2012 Exemplary Teacher Award winner on Honors Day at McKendree University,
she took center stage.
The associate professor of nursing received the annual honor given by the United Methodist
Church Board of Higher Education. It recognizes honors excellence in teaching, concern
for students and colleagues, a commitment to values-centered education, service to
students beyond the classroom and to one’s students, institution, community or local
church.
McDonald coordinates McKendree’s nursing programs in Southern Illinois. “She is revered
as an expert among her colleagues,” said Dr. Christine Bahr, provost and dean. “Students
appreciate her dedication, concern, sense of humor in the classroom, and ability to
make complex information more easily understood.”
“Dr. McDonald has been instrumental in the recruitment of nursing students for our
RN-to-BSN, as well as MSN, program throughout Southern Illinois,” added Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe,
chair of the nursing division. “She is a strong advocate for nursing students and
has established a strong partnership with students and employers. She is a tremendous
asset to McKendree University and a respected colleague.”
Outstanding students from all divisions and two other faculty awardees also had their
moment in the spotlight during the Honors Convocation on Apr. 20 at McKendree’s Hettenhausen
Center for the Arts. All were selected based on four components of the University’s
mission: responsible citizenship, engagement, academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Dr. Christine Bahr, McKendree University provost and dean, presents the 2012 United Methodist Church Exemplary Teacher Award to Dr. Martha McDonald, associate professor of nursing, on Honors Day.
