Sterling College’s Hans Nickel, assistant professor of sport management, was presented with The William M. McCreery Teaching Award at commencement on May 13, 2017. Nickel, the former sports information director at Sterling, was recognized for noteworthy and innovative instruction to Sterling College students during the academic year. The award is given to one faculty member each year after being nominated by peers.

Nickel has been described by students as “my favorite professor,” “keeps lessons light, fun and engaging, yet we know the expectations set for us are challenging and demanding,” and “this instructor demonstrates how to be a true servant leader, in all that he has done and continues to do for our college.”

One faculty member said Nickel is “passionate, professional, and personable.”

Another faculty member said, “Hans is recognized as one of the ‘best fit’ instructors for our institution, one of the most passionate about Sterling College, and a champion for the direction the academic programs within their areas are moving. The majors in the department are growing, evidence of excellence in teaching models of the highest quality.”

Nickel began teaching full-time for the College in 2014 after working four years as the SID and teaching on a pro-rata basis. Before teaching at Sterling College, he was the assistant to the commissioner for the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. In addition to several committees, Nickel serves as the Sterling College chair of the Department of Exercise Science.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.