Christina Downey of Noblesville was named this week as an inductee into the Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in Teaching (FACET) at Indiana University.
Downey is an associate professor of psychology at IU’s Kokomo campus and has a strong focus and background in clinical psychology.
“My training as a clinical psychologist makes me very attuned to emotions, and emotional climate,” she said. “When students are in an environment that is as fun and lighthearted as possible, they become more engaged, and willing to take risks. They push themselves more when they enjoy the class.”
Scott Jones, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is proud both were selected for FACET.
“Their skill and commitment to teaching has influenced the lives of their students, and the teaching of their colleagues,” he said. “I am sure as members of FACET, their influence will continue to grow.”
Established in 1989, the FACET program sets the goal of promoting and sustaining excellence in teaching among the IU faculty. Members are chosen annually through a peer review process.
“To be eight years in and get a significant teaching distinction speaks to the quality of mentoring over that period,” Downey said. “I feel lucky to have so many colleagues who are so knowledgeable about teaching. That’s the culture here, people sharing their expertise.”
