Margaret Fitzgerald, associate professor of human development and family science, was recognized with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA) Faculty Fellowship Award at an awards luncheon on April 15 in Kansas City.

The Great Plains IDEA Cabinet created the Faculty Fellowship Award in 2010 to honor faculty members who have made a significant contribution to the success of the academic programs in the Alliance.

“We are pleased to recognize you as one of the outstanding educators who are so important to this organization,” wrote Virginia Moxley, chair of the Great Plains IDEA Cabinet, in an award letter. “Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the success of your students and Great Plains IDEA.”

Fitzgerald has a long history with Great Plains IDEA, originally serving on the faculty group that helped create the model. She participated in the development of the first Great Plains IDEA program, Family Financial Planning, and later helped to develop the Gerontology Program. She continues to be an active faculty contributor to both programs.

In addition and complementary to her contributions in program development and course development/teaching, Fitzgerald has contributed to the scholarship of online learning by publishing and presenting on the Great Plains IDEA system, Family Financial Planning and Gerontology Program.

Her work has impacted delivery of the Great Plains IDEA programs at NDSU. She paved the way for all the programs through her work with Family Financial Planning development and campus approval. She also helped market the program from the beginning.

In addition to being recognized as a Faculty Fellow, Fitzgerald received a $1,000 cash award.