Skip to Content
  • Canvas
  • Baker Mail
  • My Baker
  • (855) 487-7888
Baker College
  • Degrees & Programs
  • Admissions
  • Affordability
  • Athletics
  • Request Info
  • Apply
Apply Request Info Visit MyBaker
  • Degrees and Programs
  • Admissions
  • Affordability
  • Baker Online
  • Student Life & Services
  • Campuses
  • Athletics
  • Resources
  • Office of the President
  • Events
  • image

    Degrees & Programs

    80+ degrees in emerging fields - online and on campus.

  • image

    Admissions

    Friendly, helpful, and with you every step of the way.

  • image

    Affordability

    One of Michigan's most affordable colleges.

  • image

    Baker Online

    We are online pioneers dating way back to 1994. See why we're different and better.

  • image

    Student Life & Services

    Study, socialize, and succeed as a part of an engaged student community.

  • image

    Campuses

    Whether you’re drawn to vibrant city centers, the scenic surroundings of our Great Lakes campuses, or the flexibility of online learning, Baker College meets you where you are.

  • image

    Athletics

    Game on! Big news coming regarding Baker College's entry into college athletics.

  • image

    Resources

    Baker College is committed to making higher education accessible.

  • image

    Office of the President

    Welcome to Baker College!

  • image

    Events

    Check out all Baker College Events.

Red, gold, and white honeycomb pattern on a black background

Newsroom

  • About Baker
  • Get to Know Us
  • News
  • Baker College’s Polly Bashore Honored With 2021 Faculty Member of the Year Award
Filter by
Filter By:
Cancel Apply
In the News

Baker College’s Polly Bashore Honored With 2021 Faculty Member of the Year Award

May 27, 2021
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Linkedin
Email Print

BakerFaculty In The News

The Alliance for Excellence in Online Education recognizes one faculty member, from a number of their member institutions, with the 2021 Faculty Member of the Year Award.

The faculty who participated in the program have been rewarded with public recognition, a commemorative plaque and certification, and a monetary award.

President, Dr. Patrick Callaghan is pleased to announce after a year of overcoming challenges and uncertainties, The Alliance for Excellence in Online Education is honoring five faculty members that have displayed the highest levels of teaching excellence during the pandemic. Beyond their strengths and innovation, these faculty leaders have demonstrated instructional quality and contributions to their curricular development, positive effectiveness in student learnings, and have presented quality strategies to better guide their students in a dynamic online environment.

The awarded individuals were selected against a competitive list of criteria. Though each institution received an impressive array of nominees and applicants, the selected elite demonstrated exemplary qualifications that met and surpassed the 2021 set credentials. This year’s criteria included the following:

Criteria 1:

The faculty member must have taught at least two online classes in the last 12 months.

Criteria 2:

A record of superior accomplishment in the area of excellence in online teaching and learning should contain clear and compelling evidence.

Criteria 3:

A record of superior accomplishment in the area of outstanding commitment to student success, based on compelling evidence.

In its nineteenth year of showcasing and celebrating best practices in online education, the Alliance for Excellence in Online Education is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2021 Faculty Member of the Year Award.

    • Dr. Polly Bashore, Baker College, Owosso, MI
    • Dr. Dave Schippers, Walsh College, Troy, MI
    • Evelyn Chan, Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills, MI
    • Kathleen Gerus-Darbison, Macomb Community College, Warren, MI
    • Scott Gwinnell, Oakland University, Rochester, MI

Dr. Bashore serves as the Business Program Director for Baker College Online and recently assisted four Baker College undergraduate students in their first-place win at the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) 2020 Virtual Live Case Competition.

Recipients of the Faculty Member of the Year Award were honored virtually at the 2021 Distinguished Online Faculty Award Ceremony – Celebrating Best Practices in Online Education, held on May 21, 2021. They received recognition from their institution, and collective support from the members of the Alliance. They have also been asked to consider showcasing their work in an upcoming seminar so that other instructors can learn from their online teachings.

About The Alliance for Excellence in Online Education

For further information, please contact Dr. Patrick G. Callaghan, President of The Alliance for Excellence in Online Education at 248-875-6009. You may also visit www.A4EOE.org to learn more about the program and organization.

About Baker College

Founded in 1911, Baker College is Michigan’s largest, private nonprofit college and the top private transfer school in the state.  Baker College has multiple on-ground campus locations and two affiliate sites across the state, as well as an online global campus offering more than 40 academic program options for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Learn more at www.baker.edu.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Linkedin
Email Print

Follow Baker College

Facebook YouTube Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Popular Tags

In the News Alumni College of Health Science Culinary Institute of Michigan Alumni Spotlight College of Business Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Awards College of Nursing Student Spotlight President's List Dean's List Graduation Student Life College of Social Science Running Start Explore your Options Speaking engagement Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan Baker Online College of Information Technology and Engineering Esports College of Education Leadership College of Information Technology and Engineering Application Deadlines

Filter by Campus

Filter by Campus

Recent News

Dean’s and President’s Lists Spring 2026
Read More
Baker College Named a 2026 Best and Brightest Company to Work For
Read More
Baker College Chief People Officer Dr. Voula Erfourth Named 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient
Read More
We're Here to Help
Ready to take the next step?

Contact us today to speak with a
Baker admissions expert.

By clicking Submit, I give Baker College my consent to use automated technology to call, text, and email me regarding educational services, using the contact information above, including my wireless number. This consent is not required to receive educational services.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 

Programs

  • Degrees & Programs
  • Baker Online
  • Continued Education

Admissions

  • Information
  • Calendar
  • Open Houses
  • Schedule a Visit

Tuition & Aid

  • Tuition
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • BeFree Tuition Guarantee

Contact

  • (800) 964-4299
  • [email protected]
  • 1020 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867

Campus Life

  • Campuses
  • Student Success and Engagement
  • Events
  • Esports
  • Athletics

About Baker

  • Office of the President
  • Get to Know Us
  • Student Handbook
  • Newsroom
  • Careers

Tools & Resources

  • Tuition
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • BeFree Tuition Guarantee

Information

  • (800) 964-4299
  • [email protected]
  • 1020 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
Baker College
Baker College

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. An equal opportunity affirmative action institution. An approved institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning courses may or may not be eligible for college credit. These courses are not eligible for financial aid or Baker College scholarships. Baker College's Higher Learning Commission accreditation does not encompass Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning courses.

If you encounter an accessibility issue using this page, please let us know.

Facebook Icon Instagram Icon Twitter Icon Linkedin Icon YouTube Icon
© 2026 All rights reserved. Baker College