CMU English prof named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year

* Originally reported by InsideCMU

For the second year in a row, a Central Michigan University professor has been chosen to receive one of the most prestigious awards in Michigan higher education.

English professor Susan Steffel is one of three state educators to be named a Presidents Council, State Universities in Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year. An expert on young adult and secondary English education, Steffel is noted for her superior teaching methods, effectiveness in conveying subject matter, and the respect and care she shows for her students. She will be honored during a May 14 awards ceremony in Lansing and will receive a plaque and $3,000 cash award.

Each of Michigan's 15 public universities nominated one faculty member who has demonstrated a special commitment to undergraduate education and has had an exceptional impact on student learning. A committee of five university provosts select who will be honored. Steffel joins faculty from Northern Michigan University and Grand Valley State University in receiving this year's award.

"It is phenomenal to be nominated for this award and a huge honor to represent CMU as a recipient," said Steffel.

Steffel, of Okemos, has been a professor at CMU since 1991 and has taught courses in freshman composition, literary analysis, teaching literature and composition in the secondary school, current issues in English, reading and writing for teachers, reading guidance for adolescents, problems in the teaching of English, and young adult literature.

A list of Steffel's professional awards and honors includes: CMU Excellence in Teaching Awards in 1996 and 2006, the CMU College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award in 2005, and the Michigan Council of Teachers of English 2006 Charles Carpenter Fries Award for teaching and professional excellence.

"Susan is one of the most influential educators in the state of Michigan," said CMU provost Julia Wallace. "She is a well-respected educator who demonstrates genuine concern for students and their learning and works diligently to engage students in the learning process and develop in them a sense of professionalism. She truly believes in life-long learning and committing oneself to high professional standards."

Her commitment for helping others is demonstrated through her many professional responsibilities, including her work as a mentor for English educators at both the state and national level, an English language arts consultant, president of the Michigan Conference on English Education, a state representative for the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents, a CMU Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching Fellow, a former co-editor for the Language Arts Journal of Michigan, former president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English, and a member of numerous boards and committees.

Steffel received her bachelor's degree from Hope College and master's and doctoral degrees from Michigan State University. Prior to being hired at CMU she taught English for 18 years at Maple Valley High School in Vermontville.

CMU geography professor Mark Francek was a recipient of the award in 2007.