Vermont State University Online is pleased to announce that Dr. Bianca Reyes, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Vermont State University Online Award for Teaching Excellence.
The award recognizes outstanding online faculty whose teaching reflects best practices in digital learning and demonstrates a deep commitment to student success. Feedback from Dr. Reyes’s students highlighted her strong instructional presence, meaningful academic feedback, responsiveness, and ability to foster dialogue and a sense of community in the online classroom.
Those qualities are grounded in Dr. Reyes’s extensive academic and professional background. She brings more than 13 years of combined industry and teaching experience to her work at VTSU Online. Dr. Reyes completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Roosevelt University at age 19, earned her MBA from the Milwaukee School of Engineering at age 21, and completed her PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Adler University by age 27.
At VTSU Online, Dr. Reyes teaches Multicultural Psychology, Psychology Proseminar, Psychology Research, and Introduction to Psychology. She has taught a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses across multiple institutions and serves as a doctoral dissertation chair. Her professional background includes roles in customer service, project management, human resources, and learning and development. Most recently, she launched her own training and consulting company.
“What we heard from Dr. Reyes’ learners reflects what the research tells us about effective online teaching. They described an instructor who is present, engaged, and responsive; a professor who offers meaningful academic feedback, fosters dialogue, and builds a warm sense of community in a virtual space.
Dr. Lisa Hayward, Assistant Vice President Online Program Administration
These are the hallmarks of a high-impact online practice. Her students did not just experience them—they noticed them and named them. These practices require hard work, intentionality, and a genuine care for our VTSU Online learners.”
Dr. Reyes remains actively engaged in her field through membership in several professional organizations, including the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, National Latinx Psychological Association, Online Learning Consortium, and the National Association of Social Workers. She also recently contributed as part of an editorial team for an Introduction to Psychology textbook.
“Thank you, Dr. Hayward, and the esteemed faculty for this recognition. My time at VTSU, while just over a year, has been very enjoyable and professionally satisfying. I strive to support our students in every way possible, and it is truly gratifying to find them so appreciative and receptive. Thank you all for this privilege and honor!”
Dr. Bianca Reyes
Dr. Reyes will be formally recognized at the VTSU Academic Awards Ceremonies this spring on Vermont State University campuses. She joins previous recipients of the VTSU Online Award for Teaching Excellence, including Nancy Thompson and Valerie Welters.