Anita Stineman, associate professor in the University of Iowa College of Nursing, is the winner of the 2011-2012 Collegiate Teaching Award. Stineman received the award—the highest honor the college bestows upon faculty for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching—during the college’s annual spring celebration at the University Club.

Anita Stineman (left) and Rita Frantz, College of Nursing dean

“Teaching has always been my passion. I see it as a challenge to design delivery of content in such a way that it is fun for the student and motivates them to become self-directed learners,” says Stineman.

Her experience includes teaching and administration in a variety of nursing education programs. Prior to joining the College of Nursing, she was a part of the Health Occupations Education Program in the College of Education.

“Dr. Stineman is an exemplary educator and one of the best I have had the pleasure to observe,” writes Paula Mobily, associate professor of nursing, in her nomination letter. “It is clear that she strives to present content in ways that will foster the students’ desire to learn, to actively engage them in the learning process and to create a learning environment in which students feel free to learn from their mistakes. Her use of examples and identification of issues is clearly relevant for students and enhances their involvement in the discussion and learning process.”

Stineman, who received both her BSN and doctorate from the UI, has focused her research on factors that impact persistence in nursing students, including social support and student engagement in learning.

“Being nominated for this award by colleagues and students is such an honor. It is one of those truly priceless life occurrences,” Stineman says.