Assessment
Assessment Champion AwardAssessment Champion Award
The Assessment Champion Award celebrates individuals who lead assessment efforts, promote assessment processes, and make significant contributions to the continuous improvement of learning at Penn State. These champions are typically faculty members or academic administrators who are deeply committed to the enhancement of student learning outcomes and the overall quality of education provided by the University. This recognition is a testament to each Champion’s impact on fostering a culture of assessment excellence at Penn State.
While many faculty and staff apply assessment methodologies, including both formative and summative assessment techniques, Assessment Champions typically have experience applying assessment best practices.
Assessment Champions often exhibit one or more of these key characteristics:
- Expertise in assessment practices.
- Advocacy for student success through targeted interventions based on assessment data.
- Collaborative spirit in sharing knowledge and enhancing assessment literacy in their units.
- Commitment to data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Effective communication of the importance of assessment to various stakeholders.
- Innovation and adaptability in exploring new assessment approaches and technologies.
- Dedication to equity and inclusion in assessment practices.
Assessment Champions collaborate with OPAIR to take their assessment efforts to the next level – exploring innovative assessment practices, experimenting with new methodologies, or developing creative solutions to complex assessment-related issues.
Together, we work to elevate the quality and effectiveness of assessment efforts, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students and advancing the University’s mission of academic excellence.
2025-2026 Cohort

Julie Evak
Coordinator for Undergraduate Education, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University Park

Dennis Millan
Associate Director, Chaiken Center for Student Success, Penn State Abington

Deborah Morton
Associate Teaching Professor of Linguistics and African Studies, Penn State University Park

Richard Peng
Associate Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management, Chair of Strategic Priorities and Accreditation at the Black School of Business, Penn State Behrend


Tara Wyckoff
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Advertising/Public Relations, Penn State University Park
2024-2025 Cohort

Janelle Gruber
Lecturer of Corporate Communication, Penn State Schuylkill; Northeast Corporate Communication Consortium Coordinator

Erin Hanses
Assistant Teaching Professor of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (CAMS) and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), Penn State University Park


Gina Pazzaglia
Teaching Professor, Director, MPS in Nutritional Sciences, University Park

Cecil Shelton
Instructor of Statistics; Course Coordinator for STAT 200 University Park and World Campus

Karin Sprow Forté
Associate Teaching Professor and Chair of Teacher Education, Penn State Harrisburg