UMSL psychologist wins Governor’s Award for Excellence

Tom George, chancellor of UMSL, is on hand with Ann Steffen, associate professor of psychology at UMSL, during an award ceremony last month in Jefferson City, Mo. Steffen won the 2013 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

Described by fellow faculty members as a “teacher’s teacher,” Ann Steffen is a passionate and committed educator and respected researcher. In honor of her work, the associate professor of psychology at the University of Missouri–St. Louis was presented the 2013 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.

“I love being part of the process of discovery for students as they gain skills and confidence in their ability to learn,” said Steffen, of Webster Groves, Mo. “Although understanding specific content is a key aspect of a university education, developing as a lifelong learner is even more important and requires an environment that values scholarship.

“UMSL’s integrated teaching and research mission drew me to this campus in 1994 and keeps me here today. Our campus teaching resources are excellent and play a vital part of my work with students. I feel very fortunate to be a part of our Department of Psychology, which is full of talented scientist-educators, and I’m grateful for their support and for this award.”

Steffen’s colleagues wrote in an award nomination letter that she has an outstanding commitment to teaching and improving the classroom environment. And on top of her research, classroom teaching and service obligations, she continues to mentor students and younger faculty members.

Steffen is the director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at UMSL. She oversees the Women’s Health Behaviors and Aging lab, and from 2003 to 2006, she was the director of the university’s Gerontology Program.

Steffen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Indiana University-Bloomington.

The annual Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education honors outstanding faculty from 15 post-secondary public schools, colleges and universities in Missouri. The award criteria are effective teaching and advising, service to the university community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.

The 2013 awards were presented last month at a ceremony hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon in Jefferson City, Mo.