Two Associate Faculty Members Recognized for Excellence in Teaching at McKendree University
(LEBANON, Ill., April 12, 2022) – Two associate faculty members were recently recognized
for their excellence in teaching at McKendree University. Melissa Ray, adjunct instructor
and staff accompanist, received the 2022 McKendree University Associate Faculty Excellence
in Teaching Award. Dana Longmeyer, DNP, FNP, RN, associate faculty of nursing, was
the recipient of the 2022 McKendree University Associate Graduate Faculty Award for
Excellence in Teaching.
A resident of O’Fallon, Ill., Ray teaches applied piano lesson and accompanies the
University’s Concert and Chamber Choirs and instrumental students for their performances.
A member of the music department since 2014, Ray performs in all choir performances
both on and off campus, including on tour with the choirs when they performed in St.
Louis, Chicago and Kansas City.
“She is an excellent piano instructor, preparing the music education students for
their piano proficiency exams and working with non-majors as well. In addition, she
coaches the students and helps them perform at the highest of their ability,” said
Dr. Nancy Ypma, Chair of the Division of Visual and Performing Arts and professor
of music at McKendree. “She stays on top of what is going on with each student, and
her preparation for rehearsals is meticulous. Her influence on our students and program
has been enormous.”
Longmeyer has been a valuable associate faculty member for the Division of Nursing
since 2021. A resident of Greenfield, Ill., and a full-time professor of nursing at
Lewis and Clark Community College, she primarily teaches in the MSN program, particularly
in the area of population health. She has also practiced as a family nurse practitioner
for 21 years for the Nurse Managed Center at Lewis and Clark Community College and
is a member of the American Nurses Association and Illinois Rural Health Association.
“Dr. Longmeyer is enthusiastic and supportive of our graduate students,” said Dr.
Richelle Rennegarbe, director of DNP Programs, Division of Nursing Chair and professor
of nursing at McKendree. “She has been a valuable addition as an associate faculty
member and has brought her years of experience as a family nurse practitioner in the
community setting. Her students frequently comment about how wonderful of an instructor
she is and how she makes her classes an insightful and meaningful experience. She
is most deserving of this award.”
The Associate Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching honors the commitment, academic
excellence, outstanding teaching and engagement of two part-time instructors.
Melissa Ray, adjunct instructor and staff accompanist
Dana Longmeyer, DNP, FNP, RN, associate faculty of nursing
-McK-
