College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

The Western Kentucky University IDST 100 Course Development Team of Catie Weaver, Alicia Pennington, Ara Sprouse and Brittney Sholar has been named winners of the Catalyst Award for Teaching and Learning, which honors institutions that have used Anthology solutions in innovative ways to advance learning.

The Catalyst Award signifies recognition of the IDST 100 Course Development Team’s notable work in helping high school students develop decision-making and self-efficacy skills as they explore post-secondary education and career pathways.

Juliana Ortolani, Senior Instructional Designer, and Alicia Pennington, Instructional Designer II in the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, said: “WKU is proud of the IDST 100 course Development Team for earning the Catalyst Award for Teaching and Learning. This acknowledgment honors their dedication and commitment to advancing learning and celebrates their ability to foster a transformative and collaborative educational experience at WKU.”

By redesigning their College and Career Development Seminar, the team has empowered nearly 150 students to pursue their academic and professional goals, while also fostering cross-departmental collaboration at WKU, uniting expertise to create a transformative learning experience.

“The Catalyst Award winners exemplify the remarkable dedication needed to employ EdTech in advancing education. These accolades celebrate the outstanding efforts and success of educators and institutions that are at the forefront of innovation, making a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day. We're excited to support and recognize such significant contributions to the field of education,” said Bruce Dahlgren, Chief Executive Officer of Anthology.

This achievement ensures Western Kentucky University a place of honor at the upcoming Anthology Together conference, where the brightest minds in education convene to share insights and celebrate innovation. Taking place from July 15-17 in Orlando, Florida, the event promises to be an enriching experience, spotlighting WKU’s impactful contributions.

Founded in 2005, the annual Catalyst Awards recognize and honor innovation and excellence in the Anthology global community of practice, where millions of educators and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. Winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Anthology experts and represent the very best in their field.

For details on WKU's award-winning work and other Catalyst Award recipients, visit the Catalyst Awards website.

Contact: Juliana Ortolani or Alicia Pennington, WKU CITL, (270) 745-2106; or Erin Mitchell, Anthology, erin.mitchell@anthology.com

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.