CEHS faculty and graduate student recognized with 2026 teaching awards

by Elie Mapes, CEHS

April 21, 2026

top row - Tricia Gray, Patty Kuo, Sarah Zuckerman, Lorraine Males; bottom row - Mun Yuk Chin, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Emily Wakefield, Hamza Rfissa — (Top, from left): Tricia Gray, Patty Kuo, Sarah Zuckerman and Lorraine Males; (bottom, from left): Mun Yuk Chin, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Emily Wakefield and Hamza Rfissa.

Seven faculty members and one graduate student in the College of Education and Human Sciences have been selected as recipients of 2026 teaching awards at both the college and university levels. These honors recognize excellence in teaching, mentorship, and student support across a range of disciplines.

The College Distinguished Teaching Award, announced by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, recognizes excellence in teaching and was established by the Nebraska Legislature in 1976. Three CEHS faculty members were selected for this prestigious recognition:

Tricia Gray, associate professor of practice, Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
Patty Kuo, associate professor, Child, Youth and Family Studies
Sarah Zuckerman, associate professor, Educational Administration

The Faculty–Student Mentoring Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting, guiding and inspiring students.

Lorraine Males, Julie & Henry Bauermeister Associate Professor of Education and Human Sciences, Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education

CEHS Outstanding Teaching Awards are presented to faculty who demonstrate excellence in instruction within the college.

Mun Yuk Chin, assistant professor, Educational Psychology
Sathish Kumar Natarajan, associate professor, Nutrition and Health Sciences
Emily Wakefield, assistant professor of practice, Special Education and Communication Disorders

The Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award recognizes a graduate student who demonstrates excellence in teaching and a strong commitment to student learning.