Cyndy McRae’s desire to serve others permeates her teaching and research as a professor at DU’s Morgridge College of Education.
McRae, who is being honored as this year’s co-recipient of the United Methodist Church University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award, joined the counseling psychology program in 1988. Since then, she has researched health psychology, focusing on Parkinson’s disease.
“I have always loved health-related research and have focused my whole career on the psychosocial or quality of life aspects of disease and care giving issues,” McRae says.
McRae has received numerous awards and grants for her work, including grants from the National Institutes of Health totaling more than $600,000.
McRae is equally devoted to teaching. Ginger Maloney, dean of the Morgridge College, nominated McRae for being a dedicated mentor to students, among other things.
“Although she has been a faculty member for many years, each year she seeks to expand her teaching repertoire by trying new techniques,” Maloney says. “Students actively seek out Dr. McRae as an adviser and mentor.”
But McRae doesn’t see her exchange with students as work.
“I love working with students! They are interesting, fun, eager to learn and I enjoy learning from them,” she says. “What a privilege to be allowed to participate in someone’s learning process and growth.”
Read about other faculty and staff award winners.