Sue Wortmann’s students often leave her classroom grappling with the information they just learned. Not just because they need to know it for an upcoming exam, but more often because of Wortmann’s ability to connect her material with students’ lives.
“This is one of those classes I will remember and be affected by for the rest of my life,” a student noted on Wortmann’s evaluation form.
Wortmann’s dedication, creativity and excellence both in and outside of the classroom are just a few reasons why the United Methodist Church Division of Higher Education has named her its 2015-2016 Exemplary Teacher. The award is given to an ߲ݴý professor each year who exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, and service to students, the institution, community or church.
Wortmann joined the ߲ݴý University faculty in 2009. In addition to teaching sociology and advising students, she is celebrated for her work in creating experiential learning opportunities for students beyond the classroom including the Asian Community and Cultural Center, Fresh Start Home and the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women. She has also been instrumental in revising the Gender Studies curriculum. Wortmann has served as the faculty advisor to Global Service Learning, accompanying students on both national and international service projects; advises the university’s Gender Advocacy Place, and serves as ߲ݴý’s deputy Title IX coordinator.
“I have observed Sue many times in and out of the classroom, witnessed her creativity, her respect for students, her challenging them to work beyond what they believe they can do, and seen them return as alumni to contribute back to her classroom as they are so grateful for her role in their own undergraduate learning, said Joan Gilbreth, professor of sociology and department chair.
“After observing Dr. Wortmann in the classroom, perhaps the highest praise I can give her is that I wanted to take her class, and that she is the kind of instructor that I often sought out in my own academic career as a student,” added Brad Tice, associate professor of English.
Wortmann also volunteers her time at Lincoln Literacy where she teaches English to recent immigrants and refugees; she is also a grant writer for the Asian Community and Cultural Center, where she was instrumental in helping the agency receive a three-year grant from the Community Health Endowment for over $160,000 to work in diabetes awareness and prevention.
“There is no separation between Sue’s teaching, her sense of ethics and her community work,” said Gerise Herndon, professor of English and director of the Gender Studies Program.