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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of the Provost announced that Sinan Onal, PhD, an associate professor in the School of Engineering (SOE), and Elizabeth Cady, PharmD, in the School of Pharmacy (SOP), are the recipients of the annual Teaching Excellence Award. Onan is recognized as a tenure-track faculty member and Cady as non-tenure track faculty. This recognition is the most prestigious teaching award for an SIUE faculty member. In addition to the award, each faculty member will receive $2000. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the Teaching Excellence Award. This recognition affirms my commitment to creating a learning environment where every student feels respected, supported, and challenged,” said Onal, who also chairs the Industrial Engineering Department.

“In the engineering courses I teach, I strive to foster a strong sense of academic community, one where open discussion is encouraged, diverse perspectives are valued, and students feel safe to express their ideas and explore different approaches to solving complex problems. By creating this inclusive and collaborative atmosphere, I aim to prepare students not only to master technical concepts but also to become thoughtful, adaptive, and confident professionals.”

Cady, an SOP clinical associate professor, known for integrating her love of teaching and her passion for health care, said, “I am honored and humbled to receive the SIUE Teaching Excellence Award for the 2024–2025 academic year. While I’m commonly known as an infectious diseases pharmacist, teaching has always been my first love, and this university-wide recognition is both meaningful and deeply gratifying. I’m sincerely appreciative of this award and especially thankful for the incredible caliber of our students, whose curiosity, dedication, and drive make teaching at SIUE a true joy.”

The Provost offers the annual Teaching Excellence Awards with the assistance of the Faculty Senate. Nominations are submitted by students and faculty to the Teaching Excellence Awards Committee (TEAC), the standing committee of the Faculty Senate Faculty Development Council that reviews nominations and recommends awardees.

“SIUE’s success is rooted in our Teacher-Scholar model. Our faculty members embody a commitment to centering students, energizing their learning, connecting with meaningful experiential opportunities, and fostering the development of professionals who are ready to excel in a changing world,” said Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

“Dr. Onal and Dr. Cady exemplify these characteristics and model teaching excellence and the great joy that comes from working with and supporting students along this journey. I am immensely grateful for their contributions to student success and this university and humbled to have the opportunity to work with such outstanding faculty.”

Cobb added, “I want to thank the TEAC members and chair, Amy Reed, for their thoughtful work in this process and allowing us to celebrate outstanding teaching accomplishments.”

TEAC Chair, Amy Reed, PhD, RN, assistant professor of Primary Care and Health Systems in SIUE’s School of Nursing and Chair of the Teaching Excellence Award Committee, shared the Committee’s comments on the decision of Onal as an awardee: “The Committee was impressed by Dr. Onal’s student-centered teaching philosophy, which emphasizes practical application, critical thinking, and collaboration. His classroom environment fosters both confidence and competence, as reflected in student feedback. He consistently adapts his course design to enhance accessibility, engagement, and real-world relevance. Notable initiatives include the use of industry case studies, staggered deadlines, and inclusive teaching strategies.”

Reed added, “The Committee also recognized his leadership in involving students in hands-on learning through URCA research, his commitment to ongoing professional development, and his broader contributions to engineering education.”

In the case of Cady, the Committee stated, “The Committee appreciated Dr. Cady's dynamic classroom presence and student-centered approach to teaching. Her philosophy of fostering intrinsic motivation and creating supportive learning environments is evident in her daily practice. Whether incorporating Harry Potter-themed visuals, facilitating clinical debates, or designing interdisciplinary case studies with collaboration from colleagues, her teaching reflects innovation and intentionality.”

Reed shared that the Committee also noted her responsiveness to feedback, continuous self-reflection, and thoughtful course redesigns. “She is clearly dedicated to preparing students not just for exams, but for professional practice and lifelong learning.”

PHOTO:  Sinan Onal, PhD, and Elizabeth Cady, PharmD, recipients of SIUE'S annual Teaching Excellence Awards