GovState faculty recognized with awards ahead of fall 2026 semester
Faculty Excellence and Dr. Larry A. McClellan Faculty Research Excellence Awards
Some faculty and staff of Governors State University (GovState) were recently recognized with Excellence Awards, noting outstanding achievement in teaching, writing, and research.
The Excellence Award recognizes excellence in teaching, performance of primary duties, and creative writing. The Dr. Larry A. McClellan Faculty Research Excellence Award, recognizes faculty research that demonstrates excellence in critical thinking and creativity that advances fields of knowledge, appreciation of arts, and demonstrates cultural inclusivity.
2026 GovState Faculty Excellence Award Winners
- Dr. Lisa Pennington, Associate Professor, Education and Leadership
- Kerri O'Shea, Graduate Advisor, Health Administration and Informatics
- Dr. Natalia Ermasova, Full Professor, Public Administration
Dr. Larry A. McClellan Faculty Research Excellence Award
- Dr. Fatima Sattar — (category) Research, Teaching, and Service
Project: More than Economic Contributors: Advocating for Refugees as Civically Engaged in the Midwest
- Dr. Danielle Osmelak — (category) Research, Teaching, and Service
Project: Beyond the Classroom: Faculty & Students Unite Against Basic Needs Insecurity
- Dr. Figen Karadogan — (category) Strategic Alignment Article
Project: The Economics of Belonging: Examining Student Success, Engagement, and Retention at GovState
Governors State University (GovState), recently voted the Best in the Southland, is a 4-year, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Chicago’s Southland. GovState serves nearly 4,500 students in four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, Business, and Education and Human Development. Home to 2025-26 Men’s Basketball CCAC champions, GovState hosts 16 athletic teams.