A member of Northwestern’s faculty since 2001, Sybesma will be awarded a Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in early childhood education, from the University of South Dakota during commencement ceremonies on May 12. Her dissertation is entitled “Student Perceptions of Advising at a Small Midwestern Christian College.”

Sybesma, who taught at Sioux Center Christian School for 19 years before joining Northwestern’s faculty, instructs courses in early childhood and reading. A former president of the Northwest Iowa Reading Council, she has led numerous workshops for teachers.

Sybesma earned a master’s degree at the University of Sioux Falls and a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern College.