The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) has named 10 faculty members as recipients of the PALSave Open Educator Award for the 2021-22 academic year. The award recognizes innovation and excellence in support of higher education, textbook
affordability and student success.
As part of the PALSave: PALNI Affordable Learning Program, these individuals have been key players in the creation and adoption of Open Educational Resources, or OER—a move that reduces costs for students, improves access to required texts, and
increases student success and retention.
Marian University Byrum School of Business Assistant Marketing Professor Lori Rumreich says she's thankful and happy to win the PALNI award. “I've found that using no-cost textbooks expands access to learning, especially among the many students
who struggle with textbook affordability," Rumreich said. "Selecting open educational resources removes that obstacle to student success," she explained.
“This year’s Open Educator Award recipients have gone above and beyond to help advance student access, which is what OER is all about,” says Amanda Hurford, PALNI’s Scholarly Communications Director and PALSave project lead.
“With every single one of PALNI’s 24 supported institutions participating in PALSave, faculty are making a genuine impact on students’ ability to earn a degree. They have built a community of champions for affordable learning, and
we’re excited to see their efforts benefit students now and well into the future.”
Other honorees included the following colleges and universities:
Anderson University, Butler University, DePauw University, Earlham College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Trine University, University of
Indianapolis and the University of Saint Francis.
