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Dr. Dee Gillespie, a University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) professor of history, was honored as a Master in Teaching by Brenau University and Featherbone Communiveristy.

Gillespie was chosen for her intrapersonal and interpersonal qualities, expertise and transformational influence.

The leader credits her success with her students to her collaborative leadership style. She aims to engage with her students and says she is inspired by her colleagues within the Department of History, Anthropology and Philosophy.

"Awards are nice, but I'm a little uncomfortable being in the spotlight," Gillespie said. "I know anytime that I am recognized, there are a bunch of people who have helped me get there."

In addition to the Masters in Teaching distinction, Gillespie was one of three faculty members to earn the Teaching Excellence Award for Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty from Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Center for Teaching, Learning, & Leadership (CTLL) in 2022. The award is given to faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching of undergraduate, professional or graduate students.

Gillespie is most proud of what she is able to accomplish with her students in the classroom. She loves the passion they bring each day.

Her goal is to constantly assess and refine what she's doing and never lose her spirit of innovation.

"The energy that students bring into classes makes it easy for any of us," Gillespie said. "They show up and respond well to what I'm doing, and that is an important reward for me."

Masters in Teaching honors a group of instructors annually from northeast Georgia who excel in their expertise, influence and personal qualities. Educators are chosen from kindergarten to higher education and span across all teaching disciplines.