Elliott Named Recipient of 2024 John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Dr. Diana Cardenas Elliott, associate professor of Counselor Education and Student Affairs, was awarded Kutztown University’s 2024 John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The award was presented during the university's Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration Friday, Aug. 23.

The John P. Schellenberg Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was established by John P. Schellenberg, emeriti professor of physical science, faculty alumni and friends to recognize an early career faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding work.

Elliott started at KU as an assistant professor in 2018 and began her current role as the program coordinator of the Master of Education in student affairs in higher education in 2019. She has also been an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs since 2021. She received her Ph.D. in 2010 from New York University in Education, Teaching and Learning: Higher Education Administration. In 1996, she obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University of Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Villanova University in 1993.

Elliott prides herself in offering an innovative approach to curriculum, technology integration and research endeavors. She expressed that the heart of her pedagogical philosophy lies in a commitment to facilitating dynamic and encouraging learning experiences for her students. Previous students have expressed that her implementation of innovative teaching strategies not only foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but also promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter. She has proficiently integrated learning technologies to enhance students' learning outcomes while also leveraging them to create an interactive and immersive learning experience. Elliott’s teaching methods cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, which enriches the educational experience for all students.

The usage of social media in lieu of discussion boards is one technological and curricular innovation that she embedded into her curriculum. Using Twitter rather than D2L discussion boards enhanced her weekly engagement. She was able to collect data that demonstrated students preferred Twitter to D2L because students found Twitter easy to use due to its mobile accessibility and concise format, which encouraged continuous engagement and multi-staged discussions which research shows leads to deeper learning. The results from her research comparing engagement when using Twitter to D2L discussion boards formed the basis for a CET presentation and a chapter publication titled “How to Improve Engagement in Online Discussions? Simple Use Twitter.”

Elliott has created strong relationships with her students and she maintains them even after they are no longer in her classroom. Staying in touch with students personally, she has been able to sustain long-lasting contact through social media platforms. While doing this, she created a large network of current and former students. This creates support for students and allows them to find opportunities through one another.

Elliott has 29 publications, 40 conference presentations and has received numerous awards throughout her career.