Eichberger, Skelly receive 2026 MSU Extension Excellence in Teaching Awards

April 23, 2026

Sarah Eichberger and Christine Skelly, Ph.D., will receive Michigan State University Extension Excellence in Teaching Awards on May 6.

The MSU Extension Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize MSU Extension educators who have demonstrated exceptional teaching skills, implemented innovative approaches and contributed to the success and impact of MSU Extension programs.

Portrait of Sarah Eichberger outdoors. Sarah is wearing a dark gray button-up jacket over a blue top. The background is softly blurred with green foliage and natural light. Sarah Eichberger, MPH, RDN, is a public health nutritionist and MSU Extension educator whose learner‑centered teaching approach emphasizes practical skill development, community strengths and adult learning theory. With more than 20 years of experience, her work within MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity program area focuses on strengthening the systems that shape food and nutrition choices in the places where Michiganders live, learn, eat and play. Eichberger supports a statewide team of educators by building confidence and capacity to facilitate meaningful community change, creating opportunities for peer learning and collaboration through communities of practice and storytelling approaches that highlight local systems‑change efforts. Through her teaching and leadership, she has expanded the reach and impact of nutrition security initiatives across Michigan, advancing individual learning and community‑level public health outcomes.

Portrait of Christine Skelly outdoors, standing in front of trees and foliage. Christine has shoulder-length hair and is wearing a dark brown button-up shirt with red floral embroidery. Christine Skelly, Ph.D., is an equine Extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science who has dedicated her career to advancing equine education through teaching, research and outreach since 1995. Her work emphasizes delivering science‑based, practical knowledge that empowers students, horse owners and industry professionals to make informed decisions that support both horse welfare and human well‑being. Known for her engaging and inclusive teaching style, Skelly connects foundational concepts to real‑world application through hands‑on learning, case studies and innovative instructional design. She has expanded access to equine education through programs such as My Horse University, reaching thousands of learners in Michigan and beyond through online courses, workshops and community‑based experiences, with lasting impact on students, the equine industry and the broader community. Through her work in equine-assisted services and Extension programming, she continues to make a meaningful impact on students, the equine industry and the broader community.