Linda Cook receives 2025 Excellence in Online Teaching Award
By Jeff Willadsen, WSU Global Campus
Linda Cook, biology instructor for Washington State University, is the winner of the 2024-25 Excellence in Online Teaching Award. The student-nominated annual award is sponsored by WSU Global Campus.
The award, now in its ninth year, seeks to acknowledge and reward Washington State University faculty members teaching Global Campus courses who employ best practices to engage, inspire, support, and show care for students in an online environment. Garcia will receive $3,000 in faculty development funds and a trophy in recognition of her win.
“I was surprised to be selected for this award, it wasn’t on my radar at all,” said Cook. “I’m just pleased to know that I was able to bring something positive to the experiences of Global Campus students!”
“I’m constantly tweaking my material and my approaches. it is nice to know that, at least for them, I’ve done some things right.”
Cook holds the philosophy that the most effective teaching is the most personal teaching.
“I try to find ways to more readily meet students where they are and discover how to tailor their education to their needs,” said Cook. “Online learning, it turns out, facilitates that in many ways. I’m able to do more one-on-one meetings with students via email and zoom calls, and I can do it when and if they need it.”
One student who nominated Cook for the award stated, “Dr. Cook made herself available for questions throughout the semester. I enjoyed taking this class and would highly recommend any of the classes Dr. Cook teaches, as she is very thorough, personable, and makes herself available if you need assistance.”
Another student agreed.
“Anytime there was an assignment, she made sure to include us all and encourage us. She made Biology engaging, and while it wasn’t always easy, I felt like I was in a safe space. I am so grateful for her.”
Cook was one of 68 online instructors nominated for the award.
Jenny Thigpen, Global Campus vice chancellor of academic affairs and director of WSU Learning Innovations, said that the committee that reviewed nominations was very impressed by Cook, as well as all the others who were nominated.
“There are so many online instructors deserving of recognition. It’s hard to choose just one,” said Thigpen. “Dr. Cook has shown incredible passion for her work and care for her students, and that is made evident by the testimonies of the students who nominated her. We’re very proud to recognize her for her hard work and dedication. It’s well deserved.”
According to Cook, she sees value every day in the online courses she provides for students and is proud to help them achieve success.
“I have students tell me all the time that they would not be in school if they could not be online. WSU Global Campus has opened the door to countless people who might otherwise be unable to pursue their education,” she said. “They are juggling careers, family, caregiving, health, and more. And online learning facilitates adding one more important thing to that mix. The flexibility and quality of Global Campus programs are changing lives.”