Immaculata Professor Is Recipient of the Distinguished Professor Award

Immaculata University is pleased to announce that Dawn K. Kriebel, Ph.D., is the recipient of the 2019-2020 Distinguished Professor Award. The West Chester, Pa. resident is professor and program director of the undergraduate psychology program at Immaculata.

The purpose of the Distinguished Professor Award is to recognize and honor Immaculata University faculty members who make outstanding contributions to the academic life, mission and prestige of the University. The Distinguished Professor Award is the highest honor for Immaculata faculty to receive, and is given for outstanding contributions in teaching, research/scholarship/creative activities, and service. The selection committee is comprised of six faculty members and one administrator.

“I’m very grateful and honored to receive this award and for all the support Immaculata has provided for my professional development for the past 17 years,” states Kriebel. “Immaculata University has dozens of dedicated faculty who always put their students’ interests first and set the bar high for academic excellence – it’s wonderful to have such great colleagues.”

Kriebel started her professional teaching career as an instructor at the University of Maryland’s Department of Human Development before serving as an adjunct faculty member at Bryn Mawr College. In 2002, she began teaching in Immaculata’s Department of Psychology and Counseling. Kriebel took over as chair of the undergraduate program in 2014 and was named program director in 2017.

Graduating magna cum laude with a degree in psychology and philosophy from West Chester University, Kriebel continued her education with a Ph.D. in human development from the University of Maryland. During her time at Maryland, Kriebel explored academic topics while serving in two research assistant positions, including one for the Center for Adoption Support and Education in Silver Spring, Maryland.

With a focus on children and families, Kriebel continued her research as a faculty member at Immaculata, delving into research projects with students that explore Head Start families and issues surrounding early childhood, among other related topics. Kriebel has published and presented on topics related to her expertise. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kriebel is also involved in the local Chester County community as a volunteer for Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter and has been a literacy volunteer for Hillsdale Elementary School, both in West Chester, Pa.

“Dr. Kriebel epitomizes an outstanding faculty member in all facets of university life. She is a gifted educator and respected scholar who understands that outstanding teaching extends beyond the classroom, and includes being a role model and mentor as students develop both professionally and academically. On behalf of the entire faculty, I congratulate Dawn on her accomplishment and thank her for her commitment to our students/ success,” states Dr. Angela Tekely, vice president for academic affairs and provost.