Ask College of Education folks for words to describe Xyanthe Neider, and “unflappable” would likely make the list.  But the clinical assistant professor says she was caught off balance by the news she’ll be honored as WSU employee of the week at Saturday’s Apple Cup game.  “You could have knocked me over with a feather, for sure.”

Xyan was nominated by student Kyle Redmon. It seems that he and his classmates not only learn a lot in her classroom assessment methods course, but also have fun there.  “She relates really well with her students and everyone loves her” was message Kyle gave to Courtney Ioane of the Washington State ISP Sports Network. The network coordinates the award; WSECU sponsors it.

Saturday’s Cougs-vs.-Huskies will be the second time this semester that an education faculty member’s face lights up the Martin Stadium scoreboard.  Phillip Morgan won the employee of the week honor in September.

Other reasons for applause:

Cougar athlete and sport management major Andrei Lintz was named to the Pac-10 Conference All-Academic Second Team.

Vancouver’s At Home At School Program has been acknowledged as a “great partner” by the the Evergreen Public Schools, as noted on Evergreen’s  Community Partnerships web page. Says Professor Gisela Ernst-Slavit, interim academic director for WSU Vancouver’s education programs: “Congratulations to Susan Finley and all those at WSU who make AHAS possible!