Professor of Music and Music Department Chair Jana Holzmeier was awarded the 2021-22 Exemplary Teacher of the Year award at the recent faculty meeting. The award is given to an NWU professor each year who exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, and service to students, the institution, community or church. The award is sponsored by the Division of Higher Education of the United Methodist Church and the Office of the President at Nebraska Wesleyan.
Jana was nominated by two professors who shared the same sentiment: Jana goes above and beyond for student learning.
"At a time when many school music programs are struggling to stay steady, ours is growing. This comes from caring leadership that creates a safe and supportive environment for the students and faculty to inhabit," said one of Jana's nominators.
The passion Jana showcases for her students, colleagues and campus community is unwavering - and it doesn't go unnoticed. She guides both employees and students with great care and confidence.
Her nominator continued, "Jana has encouraged all of us to work more closely with admissions, marketing, advancement, theatre, alumni affairs, and the student affairs senate which has led to mutually beneficial collaborations and shared successes. Jana has been tireless in her efforts to support the whole of music at Wesleyan and, further, Wesleyan as a whole, in addition to being fully present in her one-on-one and classroom teaching day after day."
Jana's colleagues also said:
- "Students often tell me about how Jana works on more than just their technical ability as vocalists; she also focuses on their needs as people. She works incredibly hard to bring the best out of her students both as musicians and humans, and it is evident that the students know and feel this way about her. One example of this is our bulletin board in the lounge of Vance D. Rogers; there is a decoration that allows students to write about the impact that professors have had on them and Jana Holzmeier’s name was one of the first to go up. Students feel inclined to say great things about her and her teaching, as well as her advising. They express how much they feel supported, and that is something I look up to and hope to be for my students, as well. She guides them through their undergraduate years with such care and confidence; and it shows in the success of her students who are now alumni."
- "Her commitment to creating a safe environment for her students and her department is unwavering; and her concern for the wellbeing of her students and colleagues is evident in her actions. She always supports students who are having crises and helps them to find the best solutions while maintaining a high standard of excellence in music. She really views her role as a service job, working for the students and for NWU."
From everyone at Nebraska Wesleyan, congratulations Jana! We appreciate you!