DISTINGUISHED NON-TENURE-TRACK FACULTY TEACHING AWARD
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Cassandra Koefod — Department of Economics MS, Cultural and Environment Resource Management, Central Washington University BS, Economics, Central Washington University
After careful consideration, the Distinguished Faculty Awards Selection Committee selected Cassandra (Cassie) Koefod as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Teaching Award. Her work at Central Washington University exemplifies teaching excellence both inside and outside the classroom, earning consistent respect from students and colleagues alike. Faculty code defines teaching excellence through subject mastery, scholarly engagement, effective instruction, and ongoing support for students, and in each of these areas, Ms. Koefod exceeds expectations. Ms. Koefod demonstrates exceptional depth of knowledge across economics, statistical reasoning, and applied analytics. In 2025, she co-authored three economics publications, reflecting both her scholarly engagement and passion for her field. She also works as a consultant outside academia, allowing her to bring current, real-world examples and industry-informed practices directly into her courses. Her commitment to growth extends to her teaching practices as well. In 2024, she earned both the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate and CWU’s High Impact Practices Certificate to ensure her instruction reflects evolving technologies and best practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement previously earned her the College of Business’s 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award.
Whether teaching online or in person, Koefod creates student- centered, highly scaffolded learning experiences that help students master difficult material through a balance of encouragement and challenge. Students consistently praise her clarity, organization, and passion for teaching. One student wrote that while her courses are challenging, “she teaches it in a great way,” adding, “I wish more teachers had her passion and understanding.” Her impact also extends beyond the classroom. Koefod teaches courses ranging from ECON 101 to BUAN 507, has created three courses for her department, and serves as the department’s College in the High School Liaison. Former and current students continually point to the practical skills, confidence, and support they gained through her instruction. One student credited her Business Analytics course with helping them develop a preventative tracking system for blood cancer treatment workflows. Another summarized her impact by writing that she fosters “an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued” and described her as “a truly outstanding educator and mentor.” Our committee seconds these sentiments and is pleased to recommend Cassie Koefod for the 2026 Distinguished Non-Tenure- Track Faculty Teaching Award.
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