Liberty School of Education associate dean earns Heart of Institution Award

Liberty University School of Education Associate Dean for Licensure Programs and Residential Programs Dr. Michelle Goodwin was recently honored with The Heart of the Institution Award during the 17th Annual Autonomous Learning World Caucus on March 16 at Exeter College in Oxford, England.

The award, presented by the Beta Phi Society of Scholars, recognizes the empathetic professionalism of university professors. Goodwin, the award’s inaugural recipient and now namesake, was unable to attend the event due to other commitments; Associate Professor Dr. Maria Spaulding Carr accepted it on her behalf.

“Dr. Goodwin makes certain everyone in the institution is noticed, supported and most importantly appreciated during their duties,” Spaulding Carr said. “She gives herself to the promotion of the institution and others and she does so with a never-ending, genuine smile and compassion, hence this award was created for Dr. Goodwin and shall be named after her forthwith. Dr. Goodwin reminds us that excellence is an intentional act, and kindness is not a weakness.”

The Autonomous Learning World Caucus was created in 2003 to provide avenues for top scholars and students from around the world to present and discuss their research. The conference serves as a stage of exploration and discovery into the paramount considerations facing leadership, ethics, human development, education, philosophical enquiry, and autonomous learning.

Goodwin also received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teacher Licensure during the School of Education faculty meeting on March 25. Dean Dr. Shawn Bielicki thanked Goodwin for her continued work with teacher licensure and credited her efforts with helping the School of Education thrive.

“Dr. Goodwin’s expertise has been instrumental in the School of Education for years, resulting in many teacher placements and elevated school accreditation,” he said. “She has inspired hundreds of teachers to follow their biblical calling into private and public-school classrooms with the necessary credentials to make a difference and expand God’s Kingdom.”

Goodwin began her education career in the Tidewater area teaching in Newport News Public Schools and then moved to Central Virginia to teach in Lynchburg City Schools. She taught in various elementary classrooms before transitioning to an instructor position at LU training future educators. She specifically works with candidates who are enrolled in licensure programs studying to become teachers, reading or math specialists, or school administrators.

The School of Education offers 36 state-approved licensure endorsements and 127 licensure programs. About 1,200 education students graduate annually.

Goodwin credits School of Education Dean Emeritus Dr. Karen Parker for being “an effective, humble leader” who taught her about “pursuing and maintaining accreditation, navigating the state licensure process, but most importantly seeing each individual student’s potential and doing what I can to help them achieve their dream to be a teacher or principal or whatever God has called them to be.”

“Any success I have had in this position is due to the amazing people that the Lord has placed around me,” she added. “Our professors, staff, and students in the School of Education are the best and they support me daily. Serving in the School of Education is a privilege, and I am filled with gratitude. My cup runneth over.”