TeacherTeacher

Professor of Communications, author

Katie challenged and supported my teaching practices in ways that made me a more effective teacher. Katie perceptively [creates] spaces to not only communicate about effective teaching, but also to build community. Those conversations were invaluable to challenge my thinking.

Director of General Education

Katie Hanifin has helped me reinvigorate my teaching, and not just once, but year after year. Katie has a remarkable ability to recognize what someone is trying to do with their pedagogy and help them do it better. Rather than trying to tell someone what to teach or how to teach, Katie is able to identify strategies that will help that specific teacher. And the greatest thing is that Katie is legitimately excited by what others do in the classroom – she wants others to be the best that they can be.

Director of Graduate Apprenticeship

From a professional perspective, she is one of the most talented people I know in education.  Her vast pedagogical knowledge combined with her expertise in technology and online course design are unique qualifications. There may be other educators with similar attributes, but her personality is what sets her apart from them.  She exhibits a passion for teaching.

Dean of College

Katie was responsible for creating a community for those faculty that were passionate about teaching. She designed programs and events that were creative, informative and fun. And the number of faculty that participated and attended these events just kept increasing. I can think of nothing more important to a college or university than giving faculty a place to learn about, share and celebrate teaching and learning. .

Katie re-invigorated my interest in teaching. I had started planning my retirement, but because of Katie, I regained my love for the classroom. And more importantly, she helped me become a much better teacher than I ever was. 

Katie was always available to help. Whether at the office, on the phone, on a zoom call or in my classroom. In addition to helping create innovative and engaging lessons, Katie would come into my classes to help me implement these plans. 

Katie’s love for teaching and learning is infectious. I looked forward to working with her on improving my lessons and teaching. 

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Her innovation and forward-thinking have changed how I think about teaching and delivering information in the classroom.  She has also supported me in other areas including areas of scholarship and service to the university. Recently she was a strong supporter and advocate of my interest in bringing trauma informed teaching strategies to the university and to the community.  She has assisted me in so many ways, and I am only one person, she has done this for many.

Professor of Construction Management

I attended as many workshops and seminars that Katie hosted because I knew they would be critically beneficial for my growth as a professor. Without taking a leap of faith to go see Katie’s workshop, I have no idea where I would be today

Adjunct Professor of Law and Risk Management

Katie is always learner focused, developing a plan to create the most impactful experience.  She also has a knack for meeting her customers where they are, anticipating and offering them leveled options that match their experience, confidence, and the reality of their schedules. 

Director of MBA

Her thoughtful guidance and enthusiasm is something I take into the classroom every time one of my courses is in session.  I attribute a great deal of my teaching success (as noted in my SOOTs) to the time I spent in Katie’s office.