Three academy members named Distinguished Educators

UNMC’s Interprofessional Academy of Educators has named three of its members as Distinguished Educators.

The Distinguished Educator designation is the academy’s highest honor, awarded to faculty members who consistently demonstrate excellence in teaching and peer mentoring to promote the development of the next generation of effective and innovative teachers.

• Nancy Krusen, PhD, program director and professor of occupational therapy in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions. Nominators described how Dr. Krusen’s mentoring empowered them to achieve positive outcomes with their professional growth. “Dr. Krusen has not only mentored me but was the one who inspired me to become an educator,” one nominator wrote.
• Justin Mott, MD, PhD, director of the MD-PhD scholars program and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the UNMC College of Medicine. Dr. Mott’s nominators praised his dedication and commitment to the success of both students and faculty. One nominator shared: “After interviewing at several other programs and recognizing how rare it is to encounter an educator of (Dr. Mott’s) caliber, I eagerly joined the MD/PhD program he directs.”
• Geoffrey Talmon, MD, UNMC College of Medicine associate dean for medical education and professor and vice chair for medical education in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Nominators commended Dr. Talmon’s ability to engage students through innovative methods. “His mentorship has not only enhanced my academic growth but also prepared me for a future career in medical education,” one nominator wrote.

These three faculty members will be honored at the Interprofessional Academy of Educators’ InnovatED Symposium, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Truhlsen Campus Events Center.

The Distinguished Educator is an active designation, according to the IAE. Distinguished Educators must engage in at least three teaching or mentoring activities per year and complete a renewal process every five years to maintain the designation.

The Interprofessional Academy of Educators is comprised of more than 250 faculty, staff and learners across Nebraska, with members from all five UNMC campuses, seven colleges and three partner organizations. Their mission is to cultivate a community ​across professions that connects educators with like interests to drive collaboration, innovation and scholarship.

Applications for IAE membership will open in spring 2025.