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MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Murray State University鈥檚 College of Humanities and Fine Arts (CHFA) is proud to announce Dr. Alexandra Hendley from the Department of Political Science and Sociology and Dr. Laura Liljequist from the Department of Psychology as two of this year鈥檚 recipients of the Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Awards.

The Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Awards have been instituted as an annual effort by the Murray State Board of Regents to honor faculty members who, in the judgment of peers, deserve recognition as exemplary teachers. The recipients receive a bound certificate signed by the Board Chair and University President and a $1,000 monetary award. Plaques of award recipients are hung in Heritage Hall.

Hendley started at Murray State in the fall of 2014. Currently an associate professor in the sociology program, she teaches courses such as Sociology of Food, Sociology or Gender, Sociology of Family, Qualitative Methods, Writing and Inquiry in the Social Sciences and Introduction to Sociology. Hendley's teaching skills have been recognized beyond Murray State as well, with the publication of 鈥淩ecounting the Conversation: Learning How to Write a Literature Review,鈥� a class activity published in the peer-reviewed venue, 鈥淭RAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology.鈥� She has also served as coordinator for the sociology program and a faculty advisor for Murray State鈥檚 chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.

Hendley is known in her department for her passion for teaching and innovation in her approaches. 

鈥淒r. Hendley has demonstrated a truly remarkable dedication to her students鈥� success,鈥� stated Dr. Marc Polizzi, associate professor of political science. 鈥淔rom innovative teaching methods, including experiential learning opportunities, to the extra time she takes to mentor and guide students beyond the base requirements, illustrate her devotion to our students.鈥� 

Her sociology colleagues echo these sentiments.

鈥淒r. Hendley is a dynamic educator who embodies the close relationship of teaching and mentorship, preparing students for academic and professional success,鈥� said Dr. Diane Nititham, professor of sociology and interim department chair. 鈥淪he is a dedicated advisor to sociology majors and minors, pivots quickly to take action, solves problems and steers curiosity into more depth.鈥�

Liljequist joined the Murray State faculty in the fall of 1998.  She is a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as the graduate coordinator for the clinical psychology program and is the director of the Psychological Center on the Murray State University campus.  During her time at Murray State, Liljequist has taught graduate courses such as Clinical Measurement and Evaluation, Advanced Clinical and Ethics Seminar and Clinical Measurements. Her Psychology and Law course is one of the most popular courses in the department.

Dr. Jana Hackathorn, professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Psychology, noted that Liljequist鈥檚 students hold her in high esteem and that she goes above and beyond to help students.  

鈥淲hat truly sets Liljequist apart is the amount of time and effort she devotes to students outside of the classroom,鈥� said Hackathorn.  鈥淪he works tirelessly to help students reach their mental health skills, develop professionalism and build resumes for their future careers or graduate school.鈥�

Liljequist and Hendley will be honored for their accomplishments at the University鈥檚 Faculty Recognition Banquet on Thursday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Curris Center Ballroom and will lead the faculty procession at the May commencement ceremony.