Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching

The Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching is awarded annually to a full-time faculty member who has completed three years of service at Clarke University and who embodies excellence in teaching.

The 2025 award was presented to:

Lisa Rettenmeier Ed.D.
Professor of Nursing

A current student wrote about the recipient:
Dr. Rettenmeier was always available, approachable, and kind in her interactions. She was supportive, yet firm and continually served as a role model. Her knowledge of the content was evident, and her enthusiasm was infectious.”

A former student wrote:
Over the course of the years, there have been several times I have gone to [her] for advice. I walked into her office tearful, anxious, overwhelmed, and nervous about current situations in my life. I would walk out of her office with my tears dried up, feeling lighthearted, hopeful, and more at ease. Despite whatever [she] is going through, she shows up, stays committed, and maintains a clear and optimistic aura about her.

A colleague wrote:
She goes above and beyond for her students and takes special pride in helping everyone succeed as long as they are willing to put forth the effort. She is adaptable, has the unique ability to make difficult concepts understandable, and is always striving to find ways to incorporate group learning.

Former President, Meneve Dunham passed away on February 9, 2021, at the age of 90. With her passing, we asked past winners to reflect on what this dedication to excellence has meant for them and their careers.

Previous Recipients

Tony Breitbach, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry, 2023

Sunil Malapati, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, 2022

The Entire Clarke University Faculty, 2021

Jennifer Mai, PT, DPT, Ph.D., MHS, NCS, Professor of Physical Therapy, 2020

Ann Weltin, DNP, FNP-BC, CNM, Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, 2019

Jessica Teckemeyer, MFA, Art, 2018

Evelyn Nadeau, Ph.D., Spanish, 2017

Ann Adkins, Ed.D., Education, 2016

Tim Boffeli, Ph.D., Psychology, 2015

Joseph Klinebriel, MFA, Drama, 2014

Andrea Bixler, Ph.D., Biology, 2013

Karen Glover, Ph.D., Chemistry, 2012

Paula Schmidt, Ed.D., Education, 2011

Michelle Slover, Ph.D., Biology, 2010

*For a complete listing of recipient names you may contact Academic Affairs.