WIU Announces Rector’s Awards to Academic Excellence Winners

12 November 2024

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – Five faculty members and one academic advisor from Western Illinois University have been named Winners of the 2024 Provost Award for Excellence. The faculty were recognized at a reception held in University Union Lamoine Hall on Wednesday, November 6.

The Provost Awards Committee evaluated the candidates’ excellence in each of the designated areas, and the awards were presented by WIU Interim Provost and Academic Vice President Mark Mossman on November 6.

This year’s award winners are:

Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year: Jennifer Sandrik-Rubio, College of Arts and Sciences
Sandrik-Rubio began her WIU career as a graduate assistant in the Biology department and then took a position as an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences. He works with a wide range of students in the fields of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Geographic Information Science (GIS), Geology, Mathematics, Meteorology and Physics.

During the evaluation process, the committee used comments from one of Sandrik-Rubio’s students, who described how the advisor helped her find the desire to pursue a degree.

“Thanks to Jennifer’s guidance and support, I was able to focus on my academic and personal goals with peace of mind,” the student said. “His dedication to my success was evident in every conversation we had, and I feel incredibly lucky to have him as my mentor!”

Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence in Teaching: Rebekah Buchanan, Department of English

Buchanan serves as director of English Education at WIU, teaching primarily English Language Teaching methods and professional writing courses, in addition to a Harry Potter study abroad course in the United Kingdom.

The committee cited her excellent student evaluations and teaching approach for the award.

“Using a collaborative teaching style, Rebekah involves students in structuring her lessons whenever possible; uses contract grading in which students participate in determining their grades; involves students in setting due dates and deadlines for projects and exams; and the Committee allows students to easily take additional time to complete projects.” “A problem-free homework extension policy that they can request,” he said.

Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Multicultural Teaching: Haley Wikoff, Department of Counselor Education, University Student Personnel and Social Work

Wikoff is an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work.

Eric Sheffield, nominee and interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said multicultural teaching is one of Wikoff’s strengths and noted his outreach, noting that he has an exemplary focus on serving students and creating a sense of belonging for each student. Gender Identity and Expression in establishing the LGBTQ+ Clinic on the Quad Cities campus and in her appointments as co-chair of the American School Counselor Association Ethics Committee and as a member of the University’s Sexual Orientation and Sexual Orientation Committee.

“As the College of Education and Human Services, our focus is on service, and with that focus comes a commitment to serve our students regardless of who they are or where they come from,” Sheffield said. “Dr. Wikof’s teaching (and other activities) exemplifies this focus on serving students and creating a sense of belonging for each.”

Provost’s Award for Excellence in Scientific and Professional Activities: Win Phippen, Department of Agriculture

Phippen directs the Alternative Crops Research Program at WIU with an agenda focused on increasing the use of bio-based fuels, developing new and alternative crops to meet growers’ needs, and supporting efforts to revitalize local economies. He founded WIU as a pioneer in alternative crop research.

The committee noted Phippen’s work at the regional, national and international level for this award.

“Dr. Phippen’s dedication and commitment to his research work is having a meaningful impact on our students, programs, local producers, and the larger agricultural industry while increasing the visibility of the School of Agriculture and WIU,” the committee said.

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in University and Community Service: George Mangalaraj, Department of Computer Science

Mangalaraj is a professor of information systems at WIU and is actively involved in curriculum development, working to enhance student experiences, improve programs, and facilitate interaction with industry partners.

He also works in the community, serving on the University of Illinois Extension Council, leading area children’s robotics activists, and working with regional 4-H groups to increase interest in technology-related fields.

“Dr. Managalarj also brings his expertise in technologies and technology management by serving as Chair of the Instructional Technology Council, a faculty senate committee that focuses on technology-related issues for faculty. He also participates in the University Technology Advisory Group credits. The committee recognizes that his expertise will benefit the university he stated.

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Enhancing Learning with Technology: Amy Ford, Department of Accounting

Ford is an accounting professor who has worked to make curricular and pedagogical improvements in accounting curricula, certification and licensing exams have continued to improve.

Ford utilized a wide variety of activities to develop his teaching methods, including innovative discussion methods, video assignments, peer-to-peer review assignments, as well as other online learning tools available at WIU.

“He firmly believes that in this era of online digital education, all students, regardless of format or method, should receive the same technical accounting education to prepare them for their future professions,” the committee said. “Accordingly, over the past several years he has taught a wide range of courses in business majors, from the first principles of accounting to our most advanced management accounting courses.”

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