Great Falls College MSU is proud to announce that Selena Coburn, instructor of social sciences, has been named a 2025 Montana University System Teaching Scholar by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
Coburn is one of just eight faculty members across Montana to receive this prestigious honor, which recognizes innovative teaching practices and a deep commitment to advancing student learning. Now in its fifth year, the MUS Teaching Scholars program spotlights faculty who are not only outstanding educators but also leaders in fostering excellence among their peers.
This year’s theme, “Teaching Practices & Pedagogies for All Learners,” focuses on supporting non-traditional and working students, as well as those facing additional barriers to education. Coburn’s work in the classroom exemplifies this mission, as she continuously develops creative, inclusive strategies to meet students where they are and help them succeed.
“Selena Coburn’s dedication to her students and her thoughtful, inclusive approach to teaching represent the very best of Great Falls College,” said Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and Dean of the college. “We are thrilled to see her recognized statewide for the transformative work she’s doing. Her selection as an MUS Teaching Scholar affirms what we already know—she’s an incredible asset to our students and our campus community.”
As part of the program, Coburn will lead a faculty learning community at Great Falls College this fall, sharing effective practices with colleagues and contributing to systemwide improvement in teaching through the MUS Seamless System Initiative.
Selected MUS Teaching Scholars will receive an award of $1,500 and are tasked with facilitating a faculty learning community of 6-10 other faculty members at their institution during the fall semester. MUS Teaching Scholars will contribute a white paper to share their learnings with colleagues across the university system.
“We are proud to announce this year’s cohort of MUS Teaching Scholars, whose exceptional contributions to teaching elevate what an MUS education can be,” said Joseph Thiel, Deputy Commissioner for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs in the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. “These faculty are trailblazers developing new ways of preparing our students for future careers, particularly when those students come to education later in life or with hurdles to overcome.”
Scholars were chosen from a highly competitive pool of faculty from across the system, from all types of institutions within the system, and all faculty tracks and ranks. Faculty are selected in a double-blind review process for demonstrated commitment to the annual theme, quality and potential impact of the proposal for a faculty learning community, and demonstrated commitment to effective and innovative pedagogy.
2025-2026 Montana University System MUS Teaching Scholars
Ania Bartkowiak, Assistant Professor, Counseling, Montana State University
Shihua Brazill, Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Montana Technological University
Selena Coburn, Instructor, Social Sciences, Great Falls College
Jennifer Combe, Professor, Art Education, University of Montana
Katherine Ivester, Faculty & Department Head, Developmental Math, Gallatin College
Jenna Jones, Instructor, Nursing Health & Public Safety, City College
Katrina Kennett, Associate Professor, Education, University of Montana Western
Kasthuri Udayakumar, Associate Professor, College of Health Sciences, MSU Northern
More information about the MUS Teaching Scholars program can be found at https://mus.edu/che/arsa/mus-teaching-scholars.
