The following four faculty members have been named finalists for the 2026 George Wythe Award for Excellence in Teaching at Buena Vista University:

• Prof. Brian Pattie, Senior Instructor of Communication Studies
• Prof. Marian Riner, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work
• Dr. Sarah Schlichte, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences
• Dr. Karin Strohmyer, Professor of Education, Special Education

Prof. Pattie, who is in his tenth year as a faculty member at BVU, has served in a variety of capacities. He has contributed to teaching a diverse array of courses, advising undergraduate students, leading program development, and community engagement. He is also involved in the Iowa Communication Association, having served as a board member and is a regular presenter at the annual conference. He also received the Outstanding New Teacher Award in 2018.

Prof. Riner, in her seventh year at BVU, has 25 years of experience in social work. In her role, she supports undergraduate students both on campus in Storm Lake and through online programs. In March 2021, she worked with the University’s Student Association of Social Workers to develop, build, and open Jane’s Closet in Swope Hall. Jane’s Closet has helped hundreds of individuals and recently began serving Buena Vista County Head Start and Storm Lake Community School District in addition to children in the foster care system. Riner was awarded Faculty Member of the Year for 2021-22.

Dr. Schlichte, a 2017 graduate of BVU, is in her fifth year at BVU. As an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences, she takes great joy and pride in enlightening students about the wonders of human anatomy and physiology through interactive lectures and activities such as the cadaver lab. She is dedicated to working with students inside and outside of the classroom to help them learn the fundamental concepts of the human body and to help them develop and enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. She further enhances the student experience through her role in helping to plan, organize, and promote the Undergraduate Rural Medicine Education and Development (URMED) and Rural Health Fellowship (RHF) programs, as well as other internships, to foster and encourage transformational educational experiences in rural healthcare.

Dr. Strohmyer, now in her 15th year at BVU, plays a central role in the development and delivery of the University’s undergraduate major and graduate programs in Special Education. She is the founder and director of BVU’s Voluntour travel courses and established an international teaching and learning partnership with the University of Cumbria’s Teaching and Education program in the United Kingdom. Dr. Strohmyer has consistently presented research in collaboration with students at local, national, and international conferences, reflecting her strong commitment to mentorship and scholarly engagement. She serves nationally on the Council for Exceptional Children’s Teacher Education Policy Committee and the Small Special Education Programs Board. In addition, she works with schools and universities as they pursue Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Certification, advancing inclusive instructional practices that effectively meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Professor of Psychology and Assistant Dean, School of Liberal Arts, chairs the 2026 Wythe Award Selection Committee. Dr. Goodfriend is joined by: Prof. Beth Blankers, Professor of Accounting and Assistant Dean, Harold Walter Siebens School of Business; Prof. Tim McDaniel, Assistant Professor of Mathematics; Dr. Lisa Bengtson-Sheffer, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Kinesiology; and Dr. Jill Tussey, Associate Professor of Education.

The recipient of the George Wythe Award, which was endowed by the late Paul and Vivian McCorkle ’59, receives a sabbatical and a $30,000 stipend for faculty development. The winner will be announced at BVU’s Annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration in May.