Eastern Kentucky University Team Wins Catalyst Award

Published on August 01, 2022

Eastern Kentucky University faculty and staff have once again been named winners of the Catalyst Award for Teaching and Learning, which recognizes institutions that have used Blackboard solutions in innovative ways to advance learning. The award honors those that have redefined what is possible in the classroom by adopting new delivery and pedagogical models and tools that positively influenced the educational experience, increased flexibility, furthered learner and instructor efficiency, and fostered academic excellence, with measurable results.

Founded in 2005, the annual Catalyst Awards recognize and honor innovation and excellence in the Anthology global community of practice, where millions of educators and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. Winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Anthology experts and represent the very best in their field. The Catalyst Awards were expanded when Anthology and Blackboard combined in 2021.

The EKU faculty and staff recognized this year for their innovative practices are Dr. Stephanie McSpirit, foundation professor in the department of language & cultural studies, anthropology, and sociology along with Mary Henson and Sam Williamson, staff in EKU’s Instructional Design Center. The team worked together to improve student outcomes in the online offering of SOC 232 – Social Statistics.

“I’m so proud of the EKU team for their continued dedication and commitment to improve our students’ online learning experience,” said Dr. Steve Dwinnells, director of the e-Campus Instructional Design Center. “It’s fitting that our 12th and most recent Catalyst Award recognizes innovation in teaching and learning, which are hallmarks of EKU Online’s programs.”

"We’re pleased to honor this year's Catalyst Award winners for their commitment to improving the educational experience for all learners through EdTech and sharing these insights with the broader community," said Jim Milton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Anthology. "We’re proud to partner with institutions who are innovating to advance student success.

Eastern Kentucky University’s team was announced alongside other Catalyst Award winners during Anthology’s annual user conference July 11-14.

For more information about EKU Online’s programs, please visit: go.eku.edu/catalyst22