Brammer receives Teaching Excellence Award

Other nominees were Dr. Gary Dusek, Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, and Dr. Rachelle Rider.

The nomination for Brammer, submitted by Dr. Britt Helmbrecht, interim dean of the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences, detailed Brammer’s dedication to teaching, mentorship, and professional leadership.

Brammer, a CSC alumna and former student-athlete who earned an Ed.D. in 2014 from Northcentral University, has served the college in many roles, including coach, advisor, faculty member, and mentor.

As a Professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Department, Brammer is known for her dynamic, hands-on approach to instruction and her commitment to preparing future educators for success in and out of the classroom, according to Helmbrecht.

CSC Professor Dr. Lori Hunn said Brammer develops inventive coursework that challenges students to think critically and apply knowledge in real-world situations.

“Dr. Brammer is the type of educator CSC needs – one who cares deeply about student success and creates academically rigorous, engaging experiences that prepare our students to lead,” Hunn wrote in her letter of support.

Brammer’s teaching is complemented by her work outside the classroom, where she leads service-learning projects such as Kid’s Wellness Day and an adaptive physical education course that connects college students with individuals of varying abilities. She also mentors students through academic advising and professional development, regularly accompanying them to the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Nebraska conference and helping them network for job opportunities, according to Helmbrecht.

Kelsey Crock, a 2023 CSC graduate and current teacher at Chadron Public Schools, said Brammer left a lasting impression on her.

“The lessons I learned in her classes are ones I still use every day. She pushed me to grow, supported me as a double major, and encouraged me to become a better educator,” Crock wrote.

Brammer has served on the Nebraska SHAPE Board and the national SHAPE committee for updating health education standards. She was also instrumental in organizing CSC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Title IX, which featured keynote speakers and campuswide events, according to Helmbrecht.

Dr. Scott Ritzen, chair of the HPER Department, said Brammer’s students are so well prepared, they are sought after nationally and often hired before graduation.

“Her high expectations, paired with her deep support, result in graduates who stand out in the field,” Ritzen wrote.