A psychology professor and department chair from St. Francis Xavier University has received a very prestigious award.

Dr. Erin Austen is being recognized for the 3M National Teaching Fellowship for excellence in educational leadership at the post-secondary level, according to a news release from the school.

Dr. Austen graduated from the class of 1996 and has been a member of the psychology department since 2005.

She says there is a strong sense of community and collaborative spirit within each 3M cohort.

“I am grateful to have been considered for the 3M Fellowship, and for the support that I received from colleagues and students, and so excited to have been accepted into the fellowships.

Dr. Angie Kolen, human kinetics professor, who won the recognition in 2010, says,” St.FX is a better place to teach because of Dr. Austin.”

The University says Dr. Austin can often be found leading her classes around campus as they discuss the day’s lecture material and encourages students to take their work out to the university and surrounding communities to “broaden the impact of their studies.”

She continues to seek out training to improve her skills and was awarded the university’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2018.

The 3M Fellowship was established in 1986 and up to 10 are chosen every year.

Canada now has more than 360 who have received the recognition.