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Laura Deupree
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Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — Georgia State University recently honored Cyntoria Johnson, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, with an OER Excellence Award for her outstanding efforts to make learning more accessible and affordable through the use of open educational resources (OER).
Through this initiative, Johnson and her colleagues have saved students in the department more than $1.1 million in textbook costs. The award, based on nominations from students and colleagues, celebrates her successful efforts to make learning more accessible and affordable for all.
“Dr. Johnson’s dedication to open educational resources exemplifies the very best of what we strive for at Georgia State — innovation and student-centered teaching,” said Thomas J. Vicino, dean of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. “Her leadership in promoting accessible learning not only reduces financial barriers but also empowers students and faculty alike to engage more deeply with their education.”
Johnson was one of 10 faculty across the university honored during the OER Excellence Awards ceremony, a part of Georgia State’s Open for Student Success Symposium in March. The initiative is coordinated by the University Library with GSU’s Student Government Association and Student Public Interest Research Group.
“Of all the honors I’ve received as faculty in the past 14 years, this one has to be the most special to me because the nominations came directly from the students,” Johnson said. “Their outpouring of support and appreciation at the awards reception was so moving.”
As defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, open educational resources are learning, teaching and research materials in any format and medium that:
- Reside in the public domain or are under copyright that has been released under an open license.
- And permit no-cost access, reuse, repurpose, adaptation and redistribution by others.
Johnson is quick to point out that her success builds on the collective work of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies to maximize the use of open educational resources across its curriculum.
“Criminal Justice and Criminology is the first academic unit at Georgia State to create an entire degree pathway at no extra cost to our students,” she said.
This effort reflects the Student Success 2.0 focus of Georgia State’s BluePrint to 2033 strategic plan, aligning with Georgia State Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicolle Parsons-Pollard’s call for faculty to create more affordable, accessible learning opportunities for students.
See more photos from the symposium and awards reception, and learn more about the open educational resources available to faculty and students at the University Library website by visiting the OER Excellence Awards page.