Morehead State University instructor named Educator Of The Year

Instructor of Art Education at Morehead State University, Susan Hawkins, recently received recognition from the Kentucky Art Education Association (KyAEA) which awarded her the designation of Higher Education Art Educator of the Year. The award came in October at KyAEA's annual conference. The award recognizes Hawkins' work in instruction, professional development, and community outreach programs.

Hawkins teaches art education at Morehead's School of Art and Design. She is also involved in many community outreach programs. These programs take place at local schools and nursing homes, often focusing on art therapy, working through Pathways, Inc., along with other organizations. Currently, Hawkins is working with arts education students to prepare them for elementary and secondary arts education. She is assisting her students in designing art instruction curriculum for the students of Rowan County Preschool Center. Additionally, Hawkins has organized multiple art shows for local middle and high school students, collaborating with teachers across Kentucky to showcase student art. Hawkins was quoted in a recent Morehead publication about the rewarding nature of her work, "There is just something so special about being able to work with people who are learning and creating. It is personal, and it is a process. I love being there to coach a student through their ingenuity."

The award was presented at an annual conference hosted by the Kentucky Art Education Association. This year's conference theme was "Together Apart" which was fitting as the conference had to be held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Candidates for various awards were nominated by peers and winners were announced October 24, 2020. Hawkins said that she was honored to accept the award, "I work with so many incredible art colleagues across the state of Kentucky, that I am humbled to be recognized for this distinction in higher education."