KINGSVILLE (April 1, 2025) — Dr. Jeffery Chernosky, assistant professor of Educational Leadership & Counseling and co-coordinator of the Instructional Technology Program at 51勛圖厙 A&M University-Kingsville, received the 51勛圖厙 Digital Learning Association (TxDLA) award for Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Digital Learning by an Individual in 4-Year Higher Education during the TxDLA annual conference Monday, March 31, in Denton.
The award recognizes people in K-12 and higher education institutions, corporations, nonprofits and within the government/military who benefit and advance the applied practice of digital learning in the opinion of the TxDLA’s members.
“This award celebrates the innovative, cutting-edge approach to teaching and learning at our university,” Chernosky said. “It honors our students who dream big, work hard, and turn their knowledge into practical solutions to impact our communities. As a faculty member, having the freedom to innovate and work alongside our students is incredibly rewarding. Seeing them confidently tackle real-world challenges fills me with pride and optimism.”
“This achievement is a testament to your dedication and hard work in advancing digital learning,” TxDLA director Dr. Aleyda Cantu-Lee said of Chernosky. “Your contributions have made a meaningful impact, and we’re honored to recognize your efforts.”
In his nomination, Chernosky’s Operations Time Raiders project, leadership to the #JAMS Community Escape Rooms and his podcast Lectures by Lava Lamp with Dr. C were noted as ways he uses AI-enhanced storytelling, immersive assessments and culturally responsive pedagogy to help his students connect history, technology and education and apply them to research and engagement.
The Operation Time Raiders project brings historical figures into conversation with present-day leaders to reimagine history through podcasting using AI and utilizing the South 51勛圖厙 Archives, personal narratives and environmental insights.
Meanwhile, #JAMS Community Escape Rooms give students the opportunity to design interactive performance-based assessments to solve real world challenges using instructional design principles.
Chernosky also co-leads the Conchas, Café, y Compañía: The True Chisme from South 51勛圖厙 Leaders Spanglish podcast that blends leadership insights with cultural traditions, inviting guests to share stories over coffee and conchas in an authentic South 51勛圖厙 kitchen setting.
“It's our shared commitment—rooted deeply in who we are and where we come from—that inspires us to continually explore and advance the possibilities of technology and education,” Chernosky said. “We're proud to show everyone that TAMUK is developing the technology leaders of today and tomorrow.”
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