A Purdue Calumet faculty member since 2008, Associate Professor Rincker is described by peers as an innovator in the classroom whose teaching empowers students with tools of analysis and effective communication.

She also uses the world as a classroom by engaging students in learning experiences abroad to help them better understand their role as citizens. Additionally, peers credit her with being a mentor to students and colleagues alike.

“I am humbled to be recognized with this award, as I admire so many outstanding faculty at Purdue University Calumet who go the extra mile for their students,” Rincker said. “As a teacher I try to be a connector, someone who connects students with a love of research, great ideas, big thinkers, innovative methods and new approaches as they develop and become happy, successful, complete people.”

She holds a baccalaureate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Washington University in St. Louis.