National American University Names Summer 2017 Faculty of the Quarter
It is my great pleasure to announce National American University’s Summer 2017 Faculty of the Quarter, Tracy Diefenbach and Robert Asher!
The Faculty of the Quarter, who are nominated by academic officers, campus executives, faculty members, and staff members, will receive a one-time stipend, as well as a certificate documenting their achievement. These outstanding members of the faculty are recognized for their significant accomplishments, their ability to create a dynamic learning environment, and their support of students’ academic success at NAU.
Please join us in congratulating Tracy Diefenbach and Robert Asher on their recognition as National American University’s Summer 2017 Faculty of the Quarter!
Robert Asher, a member of National American University’s Austin, Texas, nursing faculty since 2016, is recognized for his “strong commitment to service” and his “ability to inspire learning and promote student success.” Mr. Asher, who works with our Vocational Nursing students, presents a “positive role model of a skilled nursing professional with high academic standards of the nursing profession and field of study.” Long hours are spent “researching his courses, preparing for his courses, administering his courses, promoting a creative classroom environment, and one-on-one tutoring and advising…” In fact, Mr. Asher has been instrumental in creating tutoring programs for his students with great success. Given Robert Asher’s genuine care for and support of his students, his teaching effectiveness, and his dedication to education and his profession, it is no surprise he was selected to represent National American University’s Summer 2017 Faculty of the Quarter!
Tracy Diefenbach, PhDc ED CHSSO, has taught Criminal Justice classes online for National American University since 2012. While many instructors could be described as “going the extra-mile” for their students and their program, Tracy Diefenbach literally went an extra 517 miles to support the students in NAU’s Criminal Justice program! During the summer quarter, Ms. Diefenbach completed the CANDISC 75th Annual, bicycle ride through North Dakota, raising awareness and funds for the nonprofit NAU Foundation David Donnelly Criminal Justice Scholarship, among other charities. During the ride, Ms. Diefenbach (known as Professor Dbach to her students) documented her efforts on the NAU Criminal Justice Association Facebook page. “Her Facebook posts during this ride were not only for the scholarship effort, but also for the students, inspiring their efforts in class. She continued to meet her coursework and teaching requirements during this time, as well,” wrote one nominee. “Ms. Diefenbach has also been transparent with her personal and family struggles, which have driven her to further her education, further her efforts at educating others, and supporting efforts on a national level to address the identification and treatment of PTSD, especially for veterans.”
The following links share Ms. Diefenbach’s personal story and messages of inspiration, courage and hope:
http://higherdegrees.ncu.edu/articles/fall-2015/advancing-the-study-of-ptsd/
http://www.survivesuicidelossalone.org/417505209
Because Tracy Diefenbach “demonstrates an exceptional heart for supporting students’ learning throughout all her efforts, whether in class, on Facebook, or in her extra-curricular volunteer and personal activities,” we are proud to honor her with National American University’s Summer 2017 Faculty of the Quarter award.
Congratulations to Tracy Diefenbach and Robert Asher for their well-deserved recognition as National American University’s Summer 2017 Faculty of the Quarter!
About the author:
amie Hopp is the Director of Alumni & Foundation Services for National American University. She can be reached at thopp@national.edu. For more information on alumni relations, visit nauconnect.com. Information about the NAU Foundation can be found at naufoundation.org.
