Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

When Dr. Ana Osan was a student at IUN pursuing three majors, she wasn't sure what career she wanted to follow. It was her teachers and mentors who helped her realize her passion for learning and helping others learn. Inspired and encouraged by her professors at IUN, including the late Dr. Inma Myers and Dr. Angeline Komenich, Osan attended graduate school at the University of Chicago and is now in her eighth year of teaching at IUN, as an Assistant Professor of Spanish.

Remembering what it was like to be a "non-traditional" college student, Osan recognizes that many of her students are juggling numerous responsibilities including work, family, and school. She says, "This is a commuter campus, and I keep that very much in mind." Osan believes that faculty members need to be empathetic with their students and acknowledge that a student's personal life can impact the learning process. She states, "I have adopted a very flexible stance, but that doesn't mean that I compromise my standards." Osan doesn't accept laziness and reminds her students at the beginning of the semester that while she is there to help them learn, they have to put forth the effort.

In 2003, Osan received both the Founder's Day Teaching Award and the Trustees Teaching Award in recognition of her dedication to exemplary teaching. Her passion for teaching is evident, and is reflected in a comment she made about a recent student. As she shared how one of her students will be attending graduate school after completing her Bachelor's degree while working full-time and being a single parent, she affectionately said, "I am very proud of her." Osan is active within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning where she continues to develop her skills as a teacher and share what she has learned about teaching with others.