By Bridgette Sallee, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Dr. Donna Irwin, assistant professor of education at Campbellsville University, is the recipient of the 2007 Non-Tenured Faculty Excellence Award.
“Two of the many things I appreciate about Dr. Irwin are her can do attitude and contagious smile,” said Dr. Frank Cheatham upon presenting her with the award.
Irwin has been with Campbellsville University since 2001 and, as assistant professor of education, advises approximately 50 music education students. Each semester she takes them on field trips so they can observe ethnically diverse schools.
During her time at Campbellsville University, Irwin has taught music methods classes for elementary education majors, music education methods courses for music majors and understanding music for non-music majors. She has also served as the director for Chamber Choir, voice instructor for music minors and a supervisor of student teachers.
She received her bachelor and her master of music in music education degrees from Campbellsville University. She received her doctorate in music education from the University of Kentucky, and has recently started on the process of adding gifted education to her P-12 certification.
She secured and directed a 25K for The First School of Educations Future Teachers of America Summer Camp and has held various positions within the Kentucky Music Educators Association, including president for the 4th District Choral Director’s Association from 2000 to 2001. She also holds membership in numerous other professional organizations such as the Music Educators National Conference, the American Choral Directors Association and the Kentucky Association of Gifted Education.
In 2004 the Kentucky Music Educators Association named her College/University Music Teacher of the Year. She has also been recognized by Who’s Who in America 2003 and 2004 and Who’s Who in American Education 2004.
Irwin was a music teacher and choral director in the Marion County Schools in Lebanon, Ky. from 1993 to 2001. While there, she initiated a migrant education program, created choral music curriculum and standards, initiated a join opera program with Indiana University School of Music and created the “Core Content” concert series.
While a student at Campbellsville, she received the award for Outstanding Senior Music Student and the Business and Professional Young Women Award.
She is married to Michael Irwin, and they have two sons, Mitchell and Cory. She is the daughter of Fred and Linda Rice of Hickman, Ky.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.