Holtmeyer Receives Emerson Teaching Award
In English Department offices and meeting rooms across campus, East Central College instructor Katie Holtmeyer is known as a leader in developmental education and for consistently doing what is best for students.
But it is the voices of her students that most clearly capture her impact as an educator.
“English composition has not always been a subject that I have thought fondly of,” one student wrote. “Over the past 16 weeks, I have come to find that I enjoy writing, and I feel that I was very successful in growing my writing skills. I do believe that I have Ms. Holtmeyer to thank for that.”
“Ms. Holtmeyer is one of the best instructors I have ever had,” another student added. “Her course is comprehensive, and she is approachable. She goes above and beyond for her students.”
That impact on students and colleagues alike is why Holtmeyer has been recognized with the 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.
Her colleagues see that dedication in action throughout the semester.
“She has the unique ability to balance whimsy with academic rigor, while also caring deeply about her students’ lives and successes,” said Leigh Kolb, Associate Professor of English and Journalism.
“At one point in the semester, it is not uncommon to see her running back and forth between her office and classroom so she can dress up in different personas to demonstrate audience awareness,” Kolb added.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program, sponsored by Emerson, annually recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area who exemplify excellence in their field. Recipients are selected by administrators from their school districts or institutions and receive a glass apple from Emerson.
Supporting students
According to Dora Bell, Holtmeyer has played an integral role in the College’s Retention Initiative for Student Engagement (RISE) program, which supports students whose financial situations may present barriers to learning and persistence.
“She has been instrumental in the success of the RISE program by offering her expertise, elevating the student voice, and advocating for best practices as the program developed,” Bell said. “Students in the RISE program consistently offer glowing comments about her ability to adapt to their learning styles, remain kind and patient during challenges, and anticipate their academic needs.”
Bell added that Holtmeyer focuses on the whole student experience at ECC.
“She is a strong advocate of Wellness Services, the Learning Center, and campus activities, and students in her classes are not left unprepared when it comes to knowing how and where to ask for help,” Bell said. “Oftentimes, she leads a class on a resource tour during the first week of the semester. This not only introduces students to the resources available to them but also empowers them to seek information for themselves.”
Outside the classroom, Holtmeyer is also an accomplished poet and writer. Her debut poetry collection, She Asked Me Where, was published last year.
