Congratulations to Columbia International University Education Program Director Dr. Lynn Hoekstra! She has been honored with the 2023 South Carolina Project Learning Tree (PLT) Leadership in Education Award from the Forestry Association of South Carolina.

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. PLT uses trees and forests as windows on the world to advance environmental literacy and promote stewardship to students while fostering professional development among the educators who use it.

Hoekstra received the award Nov. 10 during the Forestry Association’s Awards & Recognition Breakfast at the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. She was recognized with the same honor in 2019, making her the first two-time honoree since the award’s inception in 1997.   

“I love sharing PLT with teachers because it supplements what they are doing,” Hoekstra told The New Irmo News. “It enriches their teaching without adding an additional instructional burden. Each time I have shared these activities, teacher have participated with enthusiasm and have expressed appreciation for the active learning ideas which they can bring back to their own students. PLT serves a doorway to nature, enabling teachers to bring kids outside to learn and grow.”

CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.