Southeast Missouri State University professor Dr. Michelle Kilburn has been recognized with the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, an honor presented annually to outstanding faculty at the state’s four-year institutions.
“Dr. Kilburn’s commitment to her students is evident in the way she pushes them to grow as thinkers and professionals,” said SEMO President Dr. Brad Hodson. “Her work reflects the high standard of teaching and mentorship we value at Southeast Missouri State University.”
The award recognizes faculty who challenge and motivate students to reach their maximum potential. Kilburn, a professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology, was nominated for her student-centered approach to teaching, innovative course design and effective use of technology in online learning.
A SEMO alumna and native of Advance, Missouri, Kilburn has dedicated nearly 30 years of service to the University. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and her master’s degree in public administration, with an emphasis in criminal justice administration, from SEMO. She later completed a doctorate in leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri.
Throughout her career, Kilburn has held a variety of leadership and instructional roles, including serving as the University’s first director of Southeast Online Programs. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal justice for more than 15 years and has experience teaching in face-to-face, online, blended and hyflex formats.
INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE?
Kilburn said the recognition reflects both her commitment to students and the support she has received from colleagues throughout her career.
“I am grateful for this recognition,” she said. “I care deeply about helping students develop a passion for life-long learning, research and service, and I take great pride in seeing them make a difference in communities around the world. I like to challenge my students to think critically, use evidence-based research and strengthen their writing, so they’re prepared to address real-world issues in the criminal justice system.”
She added that the honor is shared with the broader SEMO community.
“I have also been fortunate to be mentored and supported throughout my time at Southeast Missouri State University,” she said. “There are so many outstanding faculty members here, and I am honored to have been selected among such dedicated colleagues.”
Kilburn’s teaching emphasizes critical thinking, research and writing, preparing students to address complex challenges in the criminal justice system.
In addition to her teaching, Kilburn is an active scholar whose work focuses on online learning, criminal justice policy and issues within the justice system. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and reference works, often collaborating with students to provide hands-on research experience. Her work includes co-editing “Invisible Victims and the Pursuit of Justice: Analyzing Frequently Victimized Yet Rarely Discussed Populations,” which examines underrepresented groups within the justice system.
Kilburn also mentors students, advises student organizations and contributes to curriculum development, reinforcing SEMO’s commitment to student success through meaningful, experience-driven learning.
At SEMO, fearless faculty like Kilburn ensure students are challenged, supported and prepared to lead in their careers and communities.
To learn more about SEMO’s criminal justice programs, including Missouri’s first 90-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, visit semo.edu/criminaljustice.