CMU Excellence in Teaching Award Current Winners
Brandi Ansley
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award & Lorrie Ryan Memorial Award Recipient
This year’s Lorrie Ryan Memorial, Excellence in Teaching Award winner is Dr. Brandi Ansley, Associate Professor, in the Department of Teacher & Special Education. Dr. Ansley intentionally cultivates a respectful, inclusive classroom by using students’ names and pronouns, honoring diverse identities, and creating multiple avenues for engagement—including electronic participation options for neurodivergent students and those hesitant to speak. Her discussions incorporate quiet think time and the option to “pass,” modeling deep respect for individual comfort and perspective. Assignments invite students to integrate personal, cultural, and professional experiences, especially in reflective and professional philosophy courses. Brandi regularly conducts anonymous wellness checks, adjusts pacing when feasible, and reaches out privately to support struggling students with individualized plans. Student feedback consistently affirms that differing viewpoints are welcomed and respected. Teaching across the curriculum—including the program’s final course—Dr. Ansley also attends every graduation to personally celebrate students, a rare and inspiring commitment that elevates our entire academic community. Another student reflected, “Even when someone felt alone, they knew they mattered and were part of a family with this professor. Our circle time became a true support system for my classmates and me. We spoke openly, honestly, and without fear of judgment.”
jared halter
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. jared halter is a dedicated educator in the Department of Philosophy, Anthropology, and Religion whose teaching exemplifies creativity, rigor, and student-centered design. He constructs carefully scaffolded learning experiences with clear goals, fostering intellectual growth through “mistake-full” zones grounded in trust, care, and curiosity.
jared blends collaborative inquiry, experiential learning, dialogue, and multimedia resources to connect theory with lived experience and real-world application. Students note that he consistently pushes them beyond surface-level thinking, reminding them that “whoever is doing the work is doing the learning”, while ensuring they feel seen, respected, and valued.
His feedback functions as teaching itself, breaking down complex ideas and offering actionable steps for improvement. Guided by a strong ethic of care, jared invests deeply in mentorship, access, and belonging, cultivating inclusive classrooms and programs. Across courses and initiatives, he prepares students to engage with purpose, ethical awareness, and confidence.
Chris J. Hamlyn
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Chris Hamlyn, of the Athletic Training Program, is an outstanding educator whose teaching exemplifies excellence through student-centered learning, mentorship, and real-world application. He is known for creating inclusive, engaging, and intellectually rigorous learning environments grounded in respect, authenticity, and collaboration. His teaching philosophy emphasizes relationship-centered learning, clear and high expectations, and the intentional application of content to real-world practice. Through scaffolded instruction, active learning, and consistent mentorship, Chris empowers students to think critically, grow confidently, and see themselves as capable contributors to their future professions. Students consistently describe Dr. Hamlyn as supportive, inspiring, and deeply invested not only in their academic success but also in their personal development.
Kelly J. Murphy
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Kelly Murphy is Professor of Religion and Chair in the Department of Philosophy, Anthropology, and Religion. She is an innovative and community-centered educator whose teaching excellence has earned her a strong reputation among colleagues and students. Known for her dynamic pedagogical approach, she values collaborative learning as a way to connect with students individually and in groups and to discover what motivates them. Professor Murphy’s commitment to pedagogical creativity is a deliberate and thoughtful choice, one she pursues with enthusiasm, curiosity, and deep care for student learning. One colleague observed, “Students definitely leave this professor’s courses better academically prepared than they were when they entered.” Her teaching philosophy highlights the cognitive, social, and emotional dimensions of learning. She builds strong relationships, creates a supportive classroom community, and offers clear, organized, and scaffolded instruction. Through reflective practice and student-centered pedagogy, Professor Murphy models the very best of teaching excellence.
Audrey Shaw
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award & Student Choice Award Recipient
Audrey Shaw is this year's Excellence in Teaching Award – Student Choice winner. Ms. Shaw, a graduate of Central Michigan University's Athletic Training and Physician Assistant programs, is the Clinical Coordinator and a fixed-term faculty member in CMU's Physician Assistant program. Students say she "consistently treats students with respect, patience, and professionalism, and creates an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel safe asking questions, thinking critically, and learning from mistakes. She actively listens to students' perspectives, values diversity in thought and background, and fosters mutual respect among the entire learning community." Ms. Shaw is praised for "her ability to structure opportunities for peer interaction and collective problem-solving in clinical classroom spaces," noting that she "encourages students to support one another academically by creating study networks and opportunities for peer-feedback" all while providing learning approaches that "result in measurable growth, allowing students to continually deepen understanding while applying increasingly advanced concepts relevant to future professional practice." Perhaps most importantly, Ms. Shaw "communicates a genuine belief that every student can succeed and master the material, which motivates students to rise to that expectation." Students state that Ms. Shaw's "demeanor is a breath of fresh air. She always comes into class ready to teach, and having an instructor with the energy and enthusiasm to be there helps to motivate students to do the same."
Kyle C. Scherr
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Kyle Scherr is a dedicated and highly regarded educator in the Department of Psychology, whose teaching philosophy centers on intellectual curiosity, student mentorship, and real-world application of course content. His classrooms are intentionally designed to be engaging, respectful, and discussion-driven, encouraging students to think critically while developing confidence in their professional identities. Students consistently describe Dr. Scherr as a mentor who challenges them with high expectations while providing the support necessary to meet those standards. One student noted that he “does not simply teach content, but empowers students to think, question, and grow as professionals.” Colleagues similarly commend his enthusiasm for teaching, innovative use of guest speakers and experiential learning, and unwavering commitment to student success both inside and beyond the classroom.
Erika K. Zambarano
2026 CMU Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Erika Zambarano is the Interim Coordinator of Clinical Education and a faculty member in Central Michigan University’s Athletic Training program. She is widely recognized for her ability to deliver “clear explanations, well‑structured lessons, and engaging instructional methods” that make complex clinical concepts accessible to all learners. Students consistently praise her individualized coaching, noting that she “remembers each student’s aspirations and strengths” and provides personalized, career‑relevant feedback that makes them feel “seen, supported, and taken seriously.” Dr. Zambarano builds a strong sense of community through rotating partners, reflective check‑ins, and inclusive activities that make every student feel valued. She is known for going “above and beyond” in her availability, offering evening open labs and ongoing mentorship that fosters trust, confidence, and long‑term professional growth.