Jinger Deason, Graduate Program Director for Distance Learning in the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD), has been selected as a recipient for the 2023-24 FSU Inclusive Teaching and Mentoring Award.

“This award fuels my desire to dig deeper into my understanding of best practices for inclusive mentoring and teaching and support new colleagues the way I have been championed by my mentors,” Deason said.

The award honors faculty who teach courses in which the learning environment is explicitly designed to be inclusive so that all students can flourish. The award also honors faculty who serve as role models or who mentor students beyond the classroom.

The selection is based on excellence in multi-faceted areas such as serving as positive role model to students, imparting a love of learning, challenging students’ thinking and assumptions, demonstrating respect for all persons and employing innovative instructional techniques.

Dr. Tricia Montgomery who nominated Deason wrote in her letter of recommendation, “With unwavering kindness and a steadfast dedication to equity, [Jinger] ensures that every student is afforded equal opportunities for growth and success, thereby cultivating a learning environment that is both nurturing and equitable.”

Deason is honored and humbled to receive this award. “I am surrounded by colleagues who are even more deserving of this acknowledgement and I feel this award is a product of their mentorship and generous sharing of resources and ideas,” Deason said. “I never want to stop learning and growing in my roles as Distance Learning Graduate Program Coordinator, Clinical Placement Team Member, and Teaching Faculty within the School of Communication Science and Disorders.”