A Renton woman was among three faculty and staff members at Highline College who were recently recognized their professional excellence and achievements.
Sue Frantz of Renton was recognized by the American Psychological Association with the prestigious Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award, a national award recognizing significant career contributions of a psychologist who has a proven track record as an exceptional teacher of psychology.
Frantz was presented with the award Aug. 6 at the American Psychological Association’s 124th Annual Convention in Denver. Along with a plaque, she received a $2,000 award and a $1,000 travel stipend and round-trip airfare to the APA convention.
At the convention, she gave a special address, “This Old Course: Psych 101 for a New Era.”
“Sue is the most creative and pioneering psychology educator I have ever met,” Nadine J. Kaslow, Ph.D., said in her letter supporting Frantz’s nomination, according to a press release. Kaslow is a professor, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Chief Psychologist at Emory University School of Medicine. She is also Past-President of the American Psychological Association.
“In Fall 2015, APA’s Membership Board made a rare and possibly unprecedented exception to afford her full membership in the organization, which can only be bestowed on masters-prepared psychologists whose contributions are far-reaching and invaluable,” Kaslow continued.
In another letter of support, Bernard Beins, Ph.D., said, “Professor Frantz merits receipt of the award because…she represents a group of psychology teachers who have heretofore gone unrecognized—she teaches at a community college, the class of institution that provides the initiation to higher education for half of college students today.”
Frantz is believed to be the only recipient from a community college to receive the award since its inception in 1970.
A resident of Renton, Frantz has taught psychology at Highline since 2001, earning tenure in 2004. Her teaching career began in 1989 as a graduate student at the University of Kansas.
At Highline, she also serves as Faculty in Residence for Technology, an appointment she has held since 2011. She is known for her command of technology and ability to integrate technology into teaching and learning in meaningful, innovative ways. Colleagues across the country benefit from her website, Technology for Academics, at suefrantz.com.
She has received several awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship and service to the profession.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her master’s in social psychology from the University of Kansas.
Other award winners are Fawzi Belal of SeaTac and Dr. Jeff Wagnitz of Olympia.
-from a press release
