The University of North Dakota announced Oct. 22 in Grand Forks that Shelbie Witte, dean of its College of Education & Human Development, is the 2026 recipient of the Lawrence Baines Award from the Oklahoma Council of Teachers of English.
UND said the award recognizes Witte’s leadership, service and advocacy for the teaching profession, including nearly three decades of work creating opportunities for teachers to collaborate, develop expertise and take on leadership roles. The award presentation was scheduled for Oct. 23 during the council’s annual conference; the announcement did not specify a conference location.
According to UND, Witte previously held academic and leadership positions at Florida State University and Oklahoma State University, including Watson Endowed Chair, professor of adolescent literacy and English education, and director of the Oklahoma State University Writing Project. She joined UND as dean in July 2024, the university said.
UND said Witte’s priorities at the college include strengthening educator preparation, expanding professional partnerships and supporting the education workforce. Established in 2019, the Lawrence Baines Award recognizes English educators for leadership, advocacy and service to the profession, according to the university. UND listed Kenya Zarns, director of communications, outreach and recruitment, as a media contact at 701-777-2862 or Kenya.Zarns@UND.edu.
