Dr Joanne was nominated by 5 of her graduate students in the Spring of 2020. Some of the things the students wrote were:
She is an excellent teacher and mentor and role model; she inspired me to reach my academic goals;
She has strategies to teach students of different backgrounds, and respects all students without judging or discrimination of those from other cultures;
She demonstrates personal attributes such as caring, confidence, patience, integrity, and flexibility in interactions with students, colleagues, and always acts with love.
One of the committee's favorite tributes was when a student said "seeing her face lights me up with motivation and gives me hope and courage that I will succeed in the program".