School of Education Faculty Recognized with 2025 Faculty Excellence Awards
The annual Faculty Excellence Awards acknowledge accomplishments in research, teaching and service.
"I am thrilled to celebrate our four outstanding Faculty Excellence Award recipients. Their passion for teaching, groundbreaking research and heartfelt service represents the very best of who we are,” said Amy Schweinle, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education. “Their incredible work uplifts our students, energizes our community, and showcases the extraordinary talent and dedication within the School of Education."
Emma Johnson, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychology in Education received the Excellence in Teaching award. This award recognizes faculty who receive high ratings in teaching evaluations, demonstrate innovation in their teaching methods and actively engage with students both in and out of the classroom. Recipients also contribute to the professional development of their colleagues and support the mission of their department and university. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in developmental science from North Dakota State University.
Hyung Suk Yang, Ph.D., assistant professor of kinesiology and sport management received the Faculty Excellence in Service award. The service award recognizes faculty who achieve high ratings in annual service evaluations and take on impactful roles in departmental, university, community and professional service activities. Recipients effectively engage in activities that extend beyond the university, support events at various levels, and lead student organizations and activities outside the classroom.
Yang’s teaching interests include biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, laboratory techniques and strength and conditioning. His research interests focus on investigating factors that alter or impede various aspects of gait, such as walking, running and landing, especially related to clinical applications and health disparities. Yang holds a Ph.D. in rehabilitation sciences-clinical biomechanics from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, an M.S. in kinesiology-biomechanics from Texas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in sports science from Seoul National University of Science & Technology.
Monica Iverson, Ed.D. '10, M.A. '98, lecturer, received the Faculty Excellence in Service award. The service award recognizes faculty who achieve high ratings in annual service evaluations and take on impactful roles in departmental, university, community and professional service activities. Recipients effectively engage in activities that extend beyond the university, support events at various levels, and lead student organizations and activities outside the classroom.
Iverson has worked in K-12 education for over 20 years, both as a teacher and an administrator. Her commitment to education spans various areas, including special education, behavioral and emotional disorders and fostering collaboration between families and professionals. Her research interests involve at-risk youth, learning disabilities, mental health and special education, and behavioral and emotional disorders. Iverson earned her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction, as well as her M.A. in special education, from USD and her B.A. in elementary education from Mount Marty College.
John Williams, Ed.D. '22, assistant professor of elementary and secondary STEM education received the Faculty Excellence Award in Research. The research award recognizes faculty who maintain high ratings in annual research evaluations and produce nationally or internationally peer-reviewed publications. Recipients also further the university's research mission, secure funding and share their research through presentations at major conferences, while demonstrating integrity and openness in their work.
Williams teaches elementary and secondary methods courses for preservice teachers, along with education technology courses. His research focuses on improving science education and teacher education through modern tools and scholarly research. In 2022, he received the Graduate Excellence in Teaching Award from USD. In 2023, he received the Friend of Science Award from the South Dakota Teachers Association. He is also a member of the Association of Science Teachers Educators. Williams earned his Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from USD, his M.A. in science education from the University of Iowa and his B.A. in biology from St. Olaf College.
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