Anna K. Fridley Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Teaching Award
Kirsten Matteson
Kirsten Matteson, an assistant professor of civil engineering in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, has won the 2024 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Anna K. Fridley Distinguished Teaching Award. The award is given to a faculty member whose accomplishments with students reach beyond the classroom. It is sponsored by the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and carries a $1,000 honorarium.
“Dr. Matteson’s meticulous course planning, clear communication and adaptability to student feedback have made her courses some of the most well-regarded in the department,” wrote Craig Woolard, head of the Department of Civil Engineering, in his letter nominating Matteson. “Students have consistently praised her ability to explain complex material clearly, her organization and her genuine investment in their academic growth. These efforts have culminated in some of the highest course evaluation scores in the program and continuous positive student feedback.”
Matteson is known for her excellence in teaching and as a mentor and adviser to undergraduate and graduate students. Her teaching philosophy connects theory with real-world practice, fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles. Five of the seven undergraduates who have worked with her on large-scale projects were funded through MSU’s Undergraduate Scholars Program, reflecting Matteson’s success in fostering an environment where students not only engage with meaningful research but also gain financial support to pursue their academic interests.
“This mentorship underscores her dedication to providing undergraduates with enriching, impactful research experiences that lay the foundation for future success,” Woolard wrote.