USD Graduate School Presents 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards
The Graduate Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes the exemplary contributions of graduate students who support the teaching mission of the University of South Dakota. The award, administered by the Graduate School, recognizes graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in teaching to undergraduate or graduate students at USD.
This year, two graduate students were honored based on the highest rankings in their respective categories. The first-place recipient received a $600 honorarium, while the second-place recipient earned a $400 honorarium. Both recipients were also nominated for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Excellence in Teaching Award.
Anna Van Holland: First-Place Recipient
The first-place award went to Anna Van Holland, a graduate teaching assistant and instructor of record in the Department of English. Van Holland is pursuing a master's degree in English and is expected to graduate in May 2025. She has taught Composition I, Business Writing and Introduction to Literature courses since the fall of 2023.
"It's been a pleasure to teach students at USD, and I'm excited to see my work in the classroom recognized," Van Holland said. "After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in teaching college English, so USD's support in this award has encouraged me in my future career path."
Van Holland, who is originally from Vermillion, South Dakota, completed her B.A. in English at USD in fall 2022 and is now an M.A. student in literary studies: critical.
Nikole Schneider: Second-Place Recipient
Nikole Schneider, a graduate teaching assistant and instructor of record in the Department of Biology, was the second-place recipient of the award. Schneider is pursuing a doctorate in biological science at USD. She has taught Biology for Educators as well as various biology labs.
"I am so honored to receive the Graduate Excellence in Teaching Award. This recognition motivates me to keep making the effort to create an engaging and supportive environment in the classroom," Schneider said. "I look forward to continuing to teach courses in the future and developing my skills to better support my students and get them excited about science."
Originally from Jackson, South Carolina, Schneider attended Clemson University for her undergraduate studies before coming to USD to pursue her Ph.D. She first discovered her passion for teaching as an undergraduate teaching assistant and has since worked to create engaging learning experiences for her students.
Both recipients have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students and their fields, making lasting impacts on the academic community at USD.
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