IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) is proud to announce that Dr. Jill Kirkham, Social Science and Humanities Instructor, has been awarded the Innovative Educator Award in the Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing category at the 2025 Idaho General Education Summit. This is the second consecutive year a CEI faculty member has earned this prestigious statewide recognition, highlighting the institution’s continued leadership in excellence and innovation in general education.

Dr. Kirkham teaches Social Science and Humanities courses at CEI, where she also serves as Social Science Lead and Dual Credit Liaison. She holds a Doctor of Arts in Political Science from Idaho State University, with interdisciplinary training in Anthropology and History. Her research centers on pedagogy and public policy, and her teaching reflects a commitment to hands-on, experiential learning that encourages students to think critically and engage deeply with course material.

Known for her student-first approach, Dr. Kirkham has been recognized for her dedication to open educational resources, often writing and publishing her own course materials to ensure accessibility and quality. She freely shares these resources to support both CEI students and faculty across the state. In 2023, she received CEI’s Campus Ripple Effect Award for her positive and lasting impact on campus.

“We are so excited to be able to celebrate Dr. Kirkham's contributions to CEI, especially her innovation that inspires her students to think deeply, at the state level,” said Dr. Dana Cotton, Chair for the Associate of Arts Degree.

Each year, the Idaho State Board of Education presents the Innovative Educator Award to select faculty members during the General Education Summit, a gathering of academic leaders from across the state to explore trends, competencies, and strategies.

Dr. Kirkham’s award was announced during the 2025 General Education Summit and represents yet another milestone in CEI’s growing legacy of excellence in general education instruction.

To learn more about general education at CEI or to apply for Spring 2026 classes, visit www.cei.edu.

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About the College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho (CEI, formerly EITC) offers associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho. Visit https://cei.edu for more information.