CSUB honors 2025-26 faculty and staff award recipients

Seven individuals, one department recognized for their efforts to support students

By California State University, Bakersfield

August 22^nd, 2025

California State University, Bakersfield recognized five educators this week for their service to the university and the broader community.

Academic Senate Chair Dr. Melissa Danforth announced CSUB’s faculty award recipients for the 2025-26 academic year during University Day on Wednesday, which brought together hundreds of faculty and staff to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year.

“These are educators who consistently provide our students with the critical components necessary to achieve a high-quality education,” Dr. Danforth said. “Not only do they contribute to the overall mission of CSU Bakersfield, but they also greatly contribute to their individual fields, elevating the prestige of a degree from our institution and the reputation of our university in the local community and beyond.”

This year’s faculty award recipients are:

CSUB honors 2025-26 faculty and staff award recipients

Dr. Kristina LaGue, Professor of Teacher Education

Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. LaGue has spent more than 20 years at CSUB. She started off as a Distinguished Teacher in Residence in 2001, which involved her working in the Delano Union School District. She joined CSUB’s Teacher Education Department in 2003 as a lecturer and rose through the ranks, eventually earning her title as a professor in 2016.

In addition to her teaching, Dr. LaGue served as chair of the department from 2013 to 2020 and was the interim director for the liberal studies program last academic year. She has helped secure grants to establish teacher residencies at the university.

The Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award is named after an educator who served as a member of the board of directors of the CSUB Foundation and was a longstanding supporter and contributor to CSUB and the community. The award is intended to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive the Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award,” Dr. LaGue said. “Teaching has been the most rewarding aspect of my professional life, and I feel a deep responsibility to provide the most impactful experience possible for my students. To have these efforts recognized by my colleagues — who are among the very best in the field of education — is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I am truly honored and proud.”

Dr. Danielle Solano, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Faculty Leadership and Service Award

Dr. Solano has worked at CSUB for nearly 15 years, having joined the university as an assistant professor in 2010. She has served as both a chair and vice chair for the Chemistry and Biology Department. Since 2022, Dr. Solano has been the health and wellness coordinator for the Puedes! grant, which aims to improve enrollment, retention and graduation rates among Hispanic students. Dr. Solano has also found time to serve as a vice chair on the Academic Senate and as a faculty advisor to several student organizations, including the Chemistry Club.

The Faculty Leadership and Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the principle and practice of shared governance and service to the community.

“I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry for nominating me and honored to receive the Faculty Leadership and Service Award,” Dr. Solano said. “I love seeing the spark of passion for science ignite in each student, and I take pride in watching them cross the graduation stage and go on to successful careers.”

Lindsay Nelson-Burkert, Criminal Justice Lecturer

Outstanding Lecturer Award

Nelson-Burkert has served as chair of the Criminal Justice Department for the past year and has been a full-time lecturer in the department since 2016. She has also served as an advisor for criminal justice clubs on the Bakersfield and Antelope Valley campuses. Nelson-Burkert is a CSUB alumna, having received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the university in 2014. She also holds a master’s in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.

The Outstanding Lecturer Award was established to honor a full-time lecturer for excellence in teaching effectiveness and service to the CSUB community.

“I am deeply grateful to those who nominated me and to the awards committee for selecting me,” Nelson- Burkert said. “I am fortunate to work alongside some amazing lecturers, and to be selected among them as the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Lecturer Award is an incredibly high honor. I know firsthand how hard lecturers work, and this recognition means the world to me.”

Dr. Matthew Herman, Assistant Professor of Geology

Promising New Faculty Award

Dr. Herman has made significant contributions to curriculum development since joining CSUB’s Geological Sciences Department in 2020, including designing new courses and serving as a committee chair overseeing the development of a new environmental science bachelor’s program.

Dr. Herman’s research revolves around earthquakes and plate tectonics. He has published 10 research papers since joining the university and given presentations on his research across the world. He also serves as a research mentor for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Promising New Faculty Award recognizes exemplary achievements in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activities and/or service among all full-time, tenure-track faculty or assistant professors.

“I feel very lucky to be selected for this award from the many talented professors here at CSUB. I could not have done it without the support of the community in the Department of Geological Sciences and all my collaborators,” Dr. Herman said. “My family also deserves a lot of thanks for letting me spend an inordinate amount of time thinking and talking about science with them.”

Dr. Elaine Correa, Professor of Human Development and Child, Adolescent and Family Studies

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activity Award

Dr. Correa joined CSUB in fall 2016 as a professor and the founding chair of what is now known as the Human Development and Child, Adolescent and Family Studies Department. She has also served in other leadership roles on campus, including as a special assistant to the provost, an interim associate dean for the College of Social Sciences and Education.

Dr. Correa has led the effort on campus to offer more open educational resources (OER) to students and helped develop a degree pathway that solely relies on OER. Dr. Correa is also a published author whose research focuses on OER, social justice and reducing gaps that impede student success.

The Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activity Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the principle and practice of research.

“I am elated to be receiving this award at a time where CSUB has been designated as an RCU research institute, which highlights the value of research and innovation in teaching,” Dr. Correa said.

Maria Diaz received an Outstanding Staff Member award during University Day on Wednesday.

Michelle Monge received an Outstanding Staff Member award during University Day on Wednesday.

Staff awards

Staff awards were also handed out on University Day by Staff Forum. The Outstanding Department Award went to the Student Housing and Resident Life Department for their dedication to serving the students who stay on campus.

The Outstanding Staff Member Award was given to two employees this year in recognition of their hard work and dedication: Maria Diaz, dean’s assistant for the College of Business and Public Administration, and Michelle Monge, administrative support coordinator for the Communications Department.

“Both Maria and Michelle received multiple glowing nominations, each highlighting the profound impact and excellence,” said Staff Forum member Jasmine Padilla. “Thank you, Maria and Michelle, for your hard work and dedication to go above and beyond the call of duty.”