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James La Prad, Associate Professor, Western Illinois University
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WIU's James La Prad Bestowed with NSEE 2008 Higher Education Leader Award

September 9, 2008

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University faculty member James La Prad has been selected to receive the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) 2008 Experiential Education Higher Education Leader of the Year in Florida later this month. La Prad is an associate professor in the department of educational and interdisciplinary studies in Western's College of Education and Human Services (COEHS).

According to NSEE officials, the award is bestowed in recognition of La Prad's leadership role in the educational conversation about experiential learning on the Western campus; his active role in other organizations such as the Coalition for Essential Schools, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound and the NSEE; his expertise about best practices in experiential education; and his willingness to share his expertise with the wider community.

La Prad was nominated for the NSEE Experiential Education Higher Education Leader of the Year award by Andy Mink at the University of Virginia.

"Jim's curriculum vita is recipe for active leadership in the field of experiential education," stated Mink on the nomination application for the award. "Conference presentations showcase his work in K-16 education, university and community outreach and the integration of experiential education into the academic field. Consulting work and volunteer projects illustrate his dedication to creating new and provocative connections for experiential educators and partnering organizations. His list of professional affiliations offer a glimpse at the diverse audience he engages in this conversation, which serves as promotion, dialogue and leadership," he added.

"We're very proud of Dr. La Prad's accomplishments in the exciting field of experiential education," said Bonnie Smith-Skripps, COEHS dean at Western Illinois University. "This honor illustrates his commitment to innovating teacher education with experiential practices and pedagogies."

For more information, contact Dana Moon at (309) 298-1690 or DM-Moon@wiu.edu.

Visit Western's College of Education and Human Services at wiu.edu/coehs and the department of educational and interdisciplinary studies at wiu.edu/eis.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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