Dr. Christie George, assistant professor of music at Sterling College, was presented with The William M. McCreery Teaching Award during the College’s Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The award honors faculty who demonstrate exceptional teaching and innovation in the classroom and is given annually to a faculty member who exemplifies excellence in instruction at Sterling College.

Established in 1977 to recognize noteworthy and creative classroom teaching, the award is named in honor of Sterling College’s fourth president, William M. McCreery. Dr. George is the 49th recipient of the award.

Described by her colleagues as “incorporating something surprising at the start of class to grab the students’ attention,” George is known for transforming her classroom into a space for philosophical reflection, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful discussion. One faculty member shared, “Her Honors courses are some of the finest within the program, bringing students together from a variety of disciplines to find a common love for the class and connections to the focused objectives.”

Student nominations echoed that praise, with one student stating, “Dr. George encourages large-scale ethical, moral, and philosophical questions to leave students intrigued, in deep thought, or on fire to defend a position. Then, she gently allows time for defenses to be made through open discussion.” Another student added, “She believes that all students bring something to discussions and models a classroom that mimics the body of Christ.”

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.