Upper Iowa University Honors Faculty with 2025-2026 Roger & Alice Mangan Excellence in Teaching Awards
Fayette, IA (09/23/2026) — Upper Iowa University has recognized three faculty members with the 2025-2026 Roger & Alice Mangan Excellence in Teaching Award, honoring educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student learning and academic excellence.
Presented annually, the Roger & Alice Mangan Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes faculty members who go above and beyond in the classroom to inspire, engage, and support students. The award may be presented to up to three faculty members each year, including one adjunct faculty member, one tenure-track faculty member, instructor, or lecturer, and one tenured faculty member.
The award was established by UIU alumni Roger and Alice Mangan to celebrate outstanding teaching among UIU faculty. Roger Mangan, a 1962 graduate with a degree in history, was a wrestler, a 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, and currently serves on the UIU Board of Trustees. Alice (DeLong) Mangan, a 1961 graduate in physical education, helped organize UIU's first drill team.
2025-2026 Award Recipients
Tenured Faculty: Rachel Majewski
Since joining UIU in 2012, Dr. Rachel Majewski has helped students discover their passion for health, fitness, and human performance through innovative instruction and hands-on learning experiences. Known for her supportive teaching style and high expectations, she encourages students to think critically and apply classroom knowledge to real-world practice.
Majewski is a licensed and certified athletic trainer and earned her doctorate in Allied Health, Recreation, and Community Service from the University of Northern Iowa.
Tenure-Track/Lecturer: Staci Kinzebach
Dr. Staci Kinzebach joined UIU in 2024 and brings nearly two decades of experience in public education. Her expertise includes structured literacy, the Science of Reading, and literacy interventions for diverse learners. She is recognized for her commitment to preparing future educators through evidence-based teaching practices and professional development opportunities.
Kinzebach earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Northern Iowa and holds endorsements in English/Language Arts, Reading, ESL, and K-12 reading specialization.
Adjunct/Online/Center Faculty: Lena Mae Johnson
Dr. Lena Mae Johnson has served as an adjunct instructor at UIU's Baton Rouge Center since 2014, teaching social science courses while also serving as Coordinator of Admission and Title IX Confidential Advisor at Southern University Law Center. Her career reflects a strong commitment to student development, educational access, and community advocacy.
Johnson holds multiple advanced degrees, including an Executive Ph.D. in Public Policy from Southern University A&M College. In addition to her teaching and professional service, she is an advocate for increased educational research and healthcare support for patients with Sickle Cell Disease and has authored several scholarly journal articles on the topic.
"The legacy Roger and Alice Mangan created through this award continues to highlight the incredible dedication of UIU faculty who inspire, challenge, and support students every day" remarked Ashley Gredys, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement.
Recipients of the Roger & Alice Mangan Excellence in Teaching Award are selected through a student nomination process coordinated by UIU Academic Affairs. Each spring, students are invited to nominate faculty members who have made a meaningful impact on their educational experience through excellence in teaching and student engagement.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 5,700 students both nationally and internationally. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the university extends its reach beyond its main campus to educational centers across the U.S., demonstrating its role as a recognized innovator in providing accredited, affordable, and quality academic programs. Upper Iowa University prides itself on its flexible, multiple delivery systems, which include online and self-paced degree options, catering to the varied needs of its student body.
With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, Upper Iowa University is committed to empowering students by providing an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Here, diverse perspectives are valued, and academic excellence is not just a goal but a standard. This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
Media Attachments
Left to Right: Dr. Lena Mae Johnson, Dr. Staci Kinzebach, Dr. Rachel Majewski