Waubonsee Announces 2026 Outstanding Faculty Member

Each year, Waubonsee Community College recognizes an Outstanding Faculty Member who exemplifies the college’s mission through a commitment to enriching the lives of students, colleagues, and the community. This year’s Outstanding Faculty Member is Dr. Emily Heller, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Education, who has served as a full-time faculty member at Waubonsee since 2017.

"I am honored to be included among the excellent faculty at Waubonsee,” said Dr. Heller. “What I care most about is the experience students have when they step into my classroom. I want every single student to know they belong and that they are supported. Many students carry self-doubt about whether they can succeed. My goal is to break down those barriers, meet them where they are, and help them realize their full potential, both academically and in life.”

Before shaping the future of kinesiology at Waubonsee, Dr. Heller was a student-athlete, competing in cross country and playing on the tennis team. Today, she teaches the same courses she once took as a student, bringing her journey to Waubonsee full circle.

After graduating from Waubonsee, Dr. Heller earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Beloit College, before returning to work at Waubonsee’s Fitness Center. Driven by a personal desire to continually be her best, Dr. Heller earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Sport Psychology) from Northern Illinois University, where she also served as a graduate assistant, teaching physical activity classes. She subsequently earned a Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education from Aurora University. In 2017, Dr. Heller returned to Waubonsee as a full-time faculty member, where she has continued to develop her teaching practice and contribute to the academic community.  

Dr. Heller consistently demonstrates excellence in the classroom through innovative instructional practices and a deep commitment to student success. Her background in sports psychology informs her approach to curriculum development and inclusive practices. Each semester, she introduces "Classroom Olympics," an engaging team-based activity that uses the Olympic spirit to promote teamwork, participation, and mastery of course content. Students form teams aligned with the upcoming Olympic Games and earn gold, silver, or bronze recognition each week based on attendance, participation, and content mastery.

“The key is that every team has the opportunity to succeed. If every team performs at a gold standard, every team wins a gold medal that week. From an equity standpoint, my goal isn't to rank students against each other, it’s to lift every student up." The weekly "pinning ceremonies" have become a highlight, giving students an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, encourage one another, and hold each other accountable for their academic success. Her innovative classroom practices have been accepted at the 2026 Lilly Conference in Traverse City, Michigan, where she will present “Achieving the Gold: Olympic Gamification to Enhance Students’ Collective Success,” highlighting how gamification can promote student engagement and achievement.

Dr. Heller’s ability to create engaging learning experiences and foster a supportive environment has made a lasting impact on countless students. At the end of each semester, she transforms her classroom into an immersive escape room, challenging students to put their kinesiology knowledge to the test as they tackle real-world scenarios. Working in collaborative teams, students apply critical thinking to solve problems, unlock clues, and earn medals.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Heller connects students with professional and career opportunities through local sporting events and attending professional conferences, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) conference in Denver, Colorado, and the annual Illinois Association for Health, Physical Activity, Recreation, and Dance (IAPHERD) convention in Tinley Park, Illinois. These experiences give students opportunities to expand their professional networks, explore career paths, and connect classroom learning to the field. She also serves as faculty advisor for the Kinesiology and Wellness Club and Rock Climbing Club through Student Life, providing students with opportunities to build community and pursue their interests outside of the classroom. Through the Kinesiology and Wellness Club, students organize recreational sports tournaments and toy drives benefiting local charities, while the Rock Climbing Club provides opportunities for students to participate in off-campus climbing trips to Vertical Endeavors.

Dr. Heller has also demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to service within the profession. She served on the Higher Education Committee for IAHPERD (2023–2026), a statewide organization supporting educators and professionals in the field. She also regularly presents at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology conference, sharing her expertise and connecting with professionals in the field. At Waubonsee, she contributed to the redesign of the tennis and pickleball courts, helping enhance spaces for student-athletes and recreation. She also helped launch the Grow Your Own initiative, supporting men of color in pursuing careers in education and helping to build a more diverse and representative education workforce.

Dr. Heller will be recognized during Waubonsee's Fall Faculty Development Day and honored at the August Board of Trustees meeting.