Dr. Kimberly Shankman/Submitted photo

(KAIR)--Dr. Kimberly Shankman of Atchison-based Benedictine College has been recognized by a Kansas City business publication for her work in higher education.

According to a release from Benedictine College, Shankman, who serves as provost and dean, was named an “Icon of Education” by Ingram’s Magazine. The college says Shankman was one of eight people honored in the magazine’s annual higher education issue in March, recognizing educators and administrators whose work helps students succeed in a changing, tech-driven economy.

Benedictine says Shankman credited colleagues and the college’s mission for the honor. The college notes she joined Benedictine in 2002 after more than 16 years on the faculty at Ripon College, and she holds degrees in political science from Northern Illinois University. Benedictine says her academic background includes work in political philosophy, constitutional law, and American government, along with scholarly presentations in the U.S. and abroad.

The college says Benedictine has expanded and strengthened academics during Shankman’s tenure, including opening its Florence, Italy campus, now marking 20 years, overhauling general education, adding new majors such as Architecture and Graphic Design, and launching new graduate programs in Classical Education. Benedictine also credits Shankman with helping establish the School of Business, School of Nursing, and School of Engineering.

Benedictine says campus academic spaces have also been upgraded, with several new or expanded facilities opened in recent years, and that the Higher Learning Commission awarded the college its highest level of accreditation with a full 10-year term.