Washington State University’s College of Education recognized outstanding faculty and staff at its semi-annual all-college meeting on May 11, held virtually. Awards are:
Faculty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Kasee Hildenbrand
Kasee Hildenbrand is an associate professor of athletic training and has been with the College of Education since 2006.
She represents the college on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access committee for the WSU Spokane campus, served on a Cougar Health Services search committee for a physician with gender-affirming training, and served on a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) search committee for a multicultural specialist.
She has incorporated LGBTQ+ Ally training within the orientation for the athletic training program; has scheduled future anti-racism trainings, participated in the “Poverty Simulation” program with students, and continually evaluates the published and program materials for DEIA considerations.
In her nomination form, Executive Associate Dean Phyllis Erdman wrote: “Dr. Hildenbrand has been a quiet, behind-the-scenes supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion for many years, both personally and professionally, and is deserving of this special recognition.”
Faculty Research:
Kira Carbonneau
Kira Carbonneau is an associate professor who has been with the College of Education since 2015. She teaches courses related to learning theories, embodied cognition, statistics, and quantitative research methods. In addition, Carbonneau serves on WSU’s Institutional Review Board committee.
Through her research, Carbonneau examines issues at the intersection of cognitive theory and classroom application. Since coming to WSU, she has been a prolific author and presenter, her record including 39 refereed journal articles, three book chapters, and more than 50 national or international presentations.
Berry Family Professor Brian French wrote: “I have observed Dr. Carbonneau masterfully and seamlessly work her research into community STEM events in the local community. Moreover, she works tireless with her students to mentor them to understand how research is translated to action
Faculty Teaching:
Shannon Calderone
Shannon Calderone is an assistant professor of educational leadership at WSU Tri-Cities and has been with the College of Education since 2015. She teaches in the statewide educational doctorate program, as well as Tri-Cities-based principal and administrator certification and master’s programs. Given her interests in trust, risk, equity, and inclusivity in educational reform, her teaching focuses on areas of school improvement and change, educational policy, and the social foundations of educational practice.
Her research focuses on the consequences of risk environments on efforts to create more inclusive, equity-minded, sustainable, and democratic K-16 settings.
Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion Katherine Rodela said: “She is an excellent example of our college’s commitment to student success and inclusive excellence, and one of the best teachers we have in the college.”
Faculty Service:
Lori White
Lori White has coordinated practicum placements and supervised pre-service Elementary Education students in both Pullman and surrounding school districts since being hired by the College of Education in 2002. Additionally, White teaches seminars to practicum students, providing insight related to experiences in the field.
Her nominator, college advising director Angie Hammond, wrote: “The impact of her excellent work through her connections with students in the teacher education program as well as the strong connections she has fostered with local school districts and communities has no doubt had a substantial impact on the college and the teacher population in the many communities across the State of Washington where our graduates are employed.”
Staff Service:
Julie Killinger
Julie Killinger is the principal assistant for the Department of Teaching and Learning and has made significant contributions while assisting the chair and serving as the operations manager for the multi-campus department. She has been with the college since 1998 and worked with multiple programs at the graduate and undergraduate level.
Her nominator, Professor Joy Egbert, said: “Julie is the institutional memory of our department and keeps it running on a day-to-day basis. More than that, she is our secret weapon against administrivia and can always find a way to get things done.”
Staff Service:
Marie Tucker
Marie Tucker is a fiscal specialist in the dean’s office. As part of her nomination, Jeanne Therrien wrote: “Marie is so very pleasant to work with, always so positive, upbeat, and with a smile. She communicates well and even though she is super busy always follows up in a timely manner or checks in.” Tucker has been at WSU since 2007 and with the college since 2014.
Her nominator, Finance and Administrative Services Director Beverly Rhoades, said Tucker was instrumental in successful implementation of WorkDay at the college. As her direct supervisor, Rhoades said: “Marie is so conscientious and efficient she makes my job easier.”
