For the fall 2025 semester, the University of Nevada, Reno Faculty Senate Campus Affairs Committee honored nine individuals with Foundation Letter of Appointment Instructional Faculty Awards. One recipient was selected for the Outstanding LOA award, while eight others were recognized as Exceptional LOA awardees. The recipients of both the Outstanding and Exceptional LOA awards are deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to have their areas of expertise highlighted. 

Outstanding LOA: Kristina Bergen 

Kristina Bergen teaches English 101 and 102. Through teaching 100-level courses, Bergen’s goal is for students to find their place in the college community. She builds small communities within her classrooms and helps students work toward collective goals. Bergen aims for her classes to prepare students to be active members of society. 

“My favorite part of teaching first-year composition courses is getting to know my students as individuals. I believe that college is an opportunity for finding out who you are and what makes you happy, and I love to be in the position I am where I can see my students grow, not only with their writing ability, but as human beings,” Bergen said.  

“I feel truly honored to have been nominated and completely baffled that I was awarded Outstanding LOA. It is great to be recognized for doing work that I love, and I hope this is a sign that the University wants me to be here as much as I love being here,” Bergen said. 

Exceptional LOA Awardees 

Caleigh Sollinger, Jimmy Lao, Elliot Coyle, William Thimmesch, Hannah Anderson, Kulwadee Axtell, Margann Duke and Peter Reed were all named Exceptional LOA faculty instructors for the semester. 

Caleigh Sollinger 

Caleigh Solligner currently teaches Leadership and Management (Nursing 441) at the Orvis School of Nursing. 

Teaching allows Solligner to witness meaningful growth in her students, both personally and professionally. 

 "My greatest satisfaction comes from watching them develop a deeper understanding of nursing and leadership concepts that reshape how they see themselves, their capabilities and their role within the health care system,” Sollinger said. 

“Being awarded an Exceptional Letter of Appointment for the Fall 2025 is a profound honor. Being nominated and winning this award specifically for the Orvis School of Nursing affirms that the transformative philosophy I bring to my courses resonates and makes a tangible impact. It is a validation that my commitment to fostering growth in future healthcare professionals is recognized and valued by the academic community," Solligner said.

Jimmy Lao 

Jimmy Lao teaches two night-shift clinical groups for the Nursing 454 course at the Orvis School of Nursing. 

Lao values the opportunity to watch his students successfully apply nursing and caring concepts in clinical settings. He especially enjoys seeing former students excel in patient care and demonstrate strong critical thinking skills as they apply nursing concepts in real-world environments. 

“This recognition affirms that I am making a meaningful impact on the lives of nursing students at the Orvis School of Nursing,” Lao said. “My hope is that they continue to thrive, grow in their profession, and ultimately pay it forward to others.” 

Elliot Coyle 

Elliot Coyle teaches courses in core writing, including Composition I, Composition II and Investigative Writing. 

Coyle is dedicated to helping his students develop their thinking through writing and discussion, particularly as they engage with rhetoric and genre.  

“It’s not every day that people get to live in a world of ideas and language,” Coyle said. “I appreciate the validation that comes with this award, and I’ll take it as a positive sign to keep working hard.”  

William Thimmesch

William Thimmesch teaches Communications 101 and 315. 

Thimmesch values the opportunity of watching his students learn and grow into young adults throughout the semester. Making an impact on students’ lives, even in small ways, gives Thimmesch optimism for the future. 

“This recognition is humbling,” Thimmesch said. “It is gift enough for me to see students from the University of Nevada serving their local community while gaining important skills in team problem-solving and professional communication. I am very honored to have been recognized.” 

Hannah Anderson 

Hannah Anderson teaches introductory general chemistry and general chemistry laboratory courses. 

Teaching allows Anderson to help students build confidence in their understanding of chemistry, particularly those who enter her courses believing the subject is too difficult or inaccessible. “My favorite part of teaching is helping students develop confidence in their own abilities, especially when they come into my class believing that chemistry is too hard for non-chemistry majors,” Anderson said. “I enjoy doing my best to prove that belief wrong.” 

“Teaching requires a great deal of dedication and hard work, so I truly appreciate having my efforts acknowledged through this award,” Anderson said. 

Kulwadee “Kul” Axtell 

Kulwadee “Kul” Axtell teaches Principles of Educational Psychology, Elementary 220A, 220B and Principles of Educational Psychology, Secondary. 

Teaching allows Axtell to work closely with students and support their understanding of how learning theory applies in real-world educational settings. 

“The most rewarding aspect of my teaching is direct engagement with students,” Axtell said. “I particularly enjoy responding to their questions about course content and unique case studies because it allows me to provide tailored support and help students better understand standard material. I am honored to be acknowledged and grateful that my contributions to the department and to students are being recognized.” 

Margann Duke 

Margann Duke teaches in the Department of Human Development, Family Science, and Counseling. Her classes include Stress Management for Adults (HDFS 205) and Family Interactions, a combined upper-division and graduate-level course  (4HDSF 336/636).  

Duke emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are on their educational journeys and providing the support, encouragement and positive challenges needed to help them thrive and succeed academically. 

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and hopefully inspire others to work in these fields,” Duke said. “This recognition strengthens my commitment to my work in higher education. It offers me encouragement to keep growing as an instructor and affirmation that my efforts are making a difference in the lives of my students. That fills me with gratitude and inspiration.”  

Peter Reed 

Peter Reed teaches Interdisciplinary Approaches to Aging and Health (HDFS 337). 

Reed designs his classes to provide consistent opportunities for students to share their ideas and engage creatively with the material. Through direct interaction, he is able to offer unique perspectives that bring the concepts to life. 

“I am honored to be recognized as an effective teacher,” Reed said. “Among the many facets of my role at the University, teaching has the potential for the greatest long-term impact. I am grateful for this award and dedicate it to my students.”