Colorado State University OnlinePlus recently honored civil engineering professor, Dr. John Labadie, with the OnlinePlus Innovative Educator (OPIE) Award.

“The OPIE award is our opportunity to recognize a faculty member who has gone above and beyond to engage with students, exemplifying outstanding instruction and relationship building in an online program,” explained Mike Palmquist, associate provost for instructional innovation.

Each semester, graduating online students are afforded the opportunity to nominate faculty who made a positive impact on their educational experience. Mark Wilsnack, a recent graduate of the online mechanical engineering master’s program, nominated Labadie, and noted:

“It always appeared that Prof. Labadie invested a tremendous amount of energy in preparing lecture materials. His lectures not only clearly communicated the principles being taught, but were also relevant to engineering practice. In structuring his course materials, it was evident that his knowledge was not only on the cutting edge, but also that he maintained a keen awareness of the training needs of practicing engineers. While preparing and administering such online classes can be demanding, Dr. Labadie was always positive and motivated in this teaching role.”

CSU OnlinePlus Program Director Scott Woods said of Dr. Labadie, “He brings 43 years of research and consulting in water resources to his classes. His ability to share and transfer his vast knowledge and experience to the online student is inspirational. He goes the distance in ensuring a valuable learning experience, which is inspired by his philosophy of promoting student engagement and success.”

OnlinePlus congratulates and thanks Dr. Labadie for his work with CSU’s online students, and his contributions to CSU’s online engineering programs.

CSU OnlinePlus

Colorado State University OnlinePlus has more than 45 years of experience creating and delivering CSU’s online and distance programs. In support of the University’s land-grant mission of expanding access to education, the division connects students who cannot or choose not to come to campus with Colorado State’s renowned faculty, research, and academic curricula.

CSU OnlinePlus is a division of the Office of Engagement, which strengthens CSU’s ability to achieve excellence in the areas of teaching and learning, retention and graduation, admissions and access, and engagement and service, and assists communities through engagement, scientific discovery, and regional research.

For more information about Colorado State University OnlinePlus, visit www.online.colostate.edu or call (970) 491-5288.