WMU educators recognized for excellence in teaching and student engagement
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Whether guiding students through the complexities of health communication or preparing future public service leaders with hands-on evaluation experience, Dr. Julie Apker and Dr. Daniela Schröter have each made meaningful contributions to teaching and student learning at Western Michigan University. Through their thoughtful instruction and commitment to student development, they have supported academic growth across a range of disciplines.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to teaching and student engagement, Apker and Schröter have been named recipients of WMU’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the University’s highest honor for teaching excellence. They will be formally recognized at the Fall Awards Celebration alongside recipients of other prestigious campuswide awards, including the Distinguished Faculty Scholar, Distinguished Service, Emerging Scholar, Excellence in Diversity, Global Engagement and annual Make a Difference awards. The event on Friday, Oct. 3, begins at 11 a.m. in Kirsch Auditorium of the Fetzer Center.
“Congratulations to these exceptional educators whose passion for teaching and dedication to student learning are core to their work,” says Dr. Chris Cheatham, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Their ability to challenge and inspire students leaves a profound impact—contributions that will last a lifetime.”
Dr. Julie Apker
Apker, professor of communication, has been a member of the WMU faculty since 2001. She teaches courses in organizational and health communication, with a focus on leadership, teamwork and communication in medical settings. Her research explores how communication influences health care delivery and team dynamics. Apker is also the author of “Communication in Health Organizations” and has published widely in top journals.
She is known for creating engaging, real-world learning experiences and for mentoring students who go on to careers in health care, communication and leadership roles.
Colleagues say Apker’s commitment to student learning has been consistent throughout her career at Western.
“Simply, Dr. Apker is dedicated beyond measure to her students and to a process of excellence. She does not cut corners and does not sacrifice time, energy or resources when teaching, advising and mentoring students,” says Sue Ellen Christian, professor of communication.
Former students also credit Apker with shaping their academic and professional paths, often pointing to her ability to make complex topics accessible and relevant.
“It is because of Julie that I became interested in health and organizational communication, because of the ways in which she applied real-world issues to course concepts and theory—and even made them interesting. Simply put, I would not have become a college professor if it weren’t for her,” says Dr. Jennifer Ptacek, B.A.’09. M.A.’14, an associate professor of communication at the University of Dayton, Ohio.
“Dr. Apker has been a driving force in my education at WMU. I don't think that pursuing a master’s degree would have crossed my mind had it not been for her outreach and kind explanation of the program. While graduate education is not an easy path, she has been integral to my success,” adds Cori Osterman, B.A.’24, M.A.’25.
“She truly cares about each of her students in a way that I have never experienced before. From nominating us for our own academic accolades to working one‐on‐one in the classroom to ensure complete material comprehension, she has developed a unique relationship with each of her students.”
Dr. Daniela Schröter
Schröter, associate professor of public administration and a 2024 Presidential Innovation Professor, brings a global perspective to her teaching. Since joining the WMU faculty in 2015, she has developed project-based learning opportunities that connect students with real-world evaluation work.
“She has an extraordinary ability to cultivate learning environments that are both intellectually challenging and deeply supportive ... Her ability to seamlessly integrate mentorship, teaching and research makes her a transformational educator whose impact is felt far beyond the walls of the University,” says Dr. Krystin S. R. Martens, assistant professor of program evaluation at Michigan State University.
Schröter’s research spans five continents and focuses on evaluation theory, training and capacity building. She is also active in curriculum development and graduate student mentorship, and she contributes to the field through editorial and advisory roles with international organizations.
Known among students and colleagues for her thoughtful and effective approach to teaching, Schröter’s students describe her courses as intellectually engaging and well-structured, with opportunities to apply classroom concepts to practical challenges.
“Dr. Schröter’s teaching style is engaging, rigorous and deeply applied. This project built our confidence as student evaluators and allowed us to participate in creating something immediately useful to the Air Zoo organization, while also getting real-world feedback on how we could improve,” writes Andrea Vernola, a doctoral student in evaluation, about her experience with other students groups designing comprehensive evaluation plans for Air Zoo, including data collection instruments.
Students describe Schröter as a mentor who goes above and beyond to support their academic and professional development. Her teaching is characterized by a commitment to inclusivity, thoughtful inquiry and real-world relevance.
“Dr. Schroeter exemplifies distinguished teaching through her innovative pedagogy, unwavering commitment to student growth and transformative impact both inside and outside the classroom,” writes Ruqayyah Abu-Obaid, Ph.D. candidate in the Interdisciplinary Evaluation Program at Western.
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