Design professor receives Arnold P. Friedmann Educator of Distinction award

Dr. Joan Dickinson of Radford University’s Department of Design has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Arnold P. Friedmann Educator of Distinction Award by the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC). The honor, which is open to candidates from around the world, recognizes demonstrated leadership in interior design education, impact on the profession and excellence in teaching.

Dickinson, Professor of Interior Design and Coordinator of the MFA in Design Thinking at Radford University, officially received the award on March 19 in Chicago at the IDEC annual conference.

The news first arrived in a phone call from last year's winner, Dr. Jill Pable of Florida State University. At the time, Dickinson had made no arrangements to attend the conference this year, but she gladly changed her plans to be in Chicago upon hearing she had won the award.

“It came as quite a shock,” she said, because she had no idea she had even been nominated. “I am honored, flattered, and stunned.”

And it is not an award that is easy to garner.

First, the recipient must be nominated and receive five letters of recommendation. Then, a review committee is formed consisting of two past recipients (with one serving as committee chair), a Fellow of the IDEC, a member of the IDEC Board of Directors, and a longstanding member of IDEC. After reviewing all the nominees, the committee makes its selection.

In her speech introducing Dickinson, Pable recounted an impressive list of professional contributions and accomplishments as well as insights from those who nominated her.

“Altogether, the record of Dr. Dickinson paints a portrait of a consummate professional skilled at teaching,” Pable said, “setting an example through leadership, and long-term consistent commitment to supporting our profession, students and public.”

Dr. Holly Cline, Chair of Radford’s Design Department, was excited to share the news, noting that it is the highest possible honor to receive in this field.  

“This is the Oscar for Best Actor in our world,” said Cline, “and Radford University is lucky to have her at our school.”

For her part, Dickinson says that the award reflects not just her but her students as well.

“This is a lifetime achievement award that I dedicate to my students who I have had the privilege of teaching,” Dickinson said.

“The student is at the heart of what we do, and I never take it for granted that I am able to work with so many amazing young people.”