LU professor receives Governor’s Excellence in Education award

May 30, 2026 - 17:50

An associate professor at Lincoln University has been recognized with the 2026 Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Education. The award, presented annually by the state's governor, honors educators who demonstrate outstanding commitment to student success and innovative teaching methods.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, who teaches in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the award during a ceremony at the state capitol last week. University officials praised her work in developing new curriculum that integrates real-world problem solving into undergraduate courses. Mitchell has been a faculty member at Lincoln University for over a decade, focusing on community engagement and mentorship programs for first-generation college students.

In her acceptance remarks, Mitchell credited her students and colleagues for the recognition, saying that teaching is a collaborative effort. The award includes a monetary prize and a commemorative plaque. Lincoln University President Dr. John Henderson called the honor well-deserved, noting that Mitchell's dedication reflects the university's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education.

The Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Education has been given since 1995, with recipients selected by a committee of educators and state officials. Mitchell is the third Lincoln University faculty member to receive the award in the past decade.