Francisco Villarruel, professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, has won a prestigious award from the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, of which Michigan State University is a member.
MSU offers the Master of Arts in Youth Development and graduate certificate programs in youth development through this alliance. MSU's participation in this alliance is an example of collaboration to offer online academic programs that draw on the expertise of faculty from partner institutions.
Villarruel is an innovative teacher and researcher who has made vital and essential contributions to this master's degree and certificate programs.
He will receive Great Plains IDEA Faculty Fellowship Award for 2011 at the April annual national meeting of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance in Kansas City, Mo.