Voke (Gbemre) Ogueh, a distinguished alumna of Stephen F. Austin State University, has recently been honoured with the United States’ highest commendation for STEM educators, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award, announced by the White House in January 2025, recognizes Ogueh’s two-decade-long dedication to teaching mathematics and computer science in Texas high schools.
Ogueh, who earned a master’s degree in mathematics from SFA in 2006, is one of 337 recipients of the prestigious national award for this cycle. This prestigious U.S. Presidential Teaching Award includes a presidential certificate, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and induction into a national cohort of master teachers.
Honored with a U.S. Presidential Teaching Award
“Receiving the President’s Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is more than a personal milestone; it’s a testament to the collective journey shared with my family, students, educators, mentors and partners who have supported me along the way,” Ogueh stated. She emphasized that the award belongs to the community, family, and students who inspire her daily.
Her innovative pedagogy fosters a dynamic, collaborative classroom environment where students are motivated to tackle challenges. Beyond traditional instruction, Ogueh has organized numerous events for the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation and integrates platforms like Code.org and MIT App Inventor into her curriculum.
A co-founder of the nonprofit Waado, she is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, with a particular focus on mentoring young girls. “I believe barriers can be overcome and dreams achieved through passion, persistence, lifelong learning and strong support networks,” Ogueh affirmed. This stateside accolade quickly led to international recognition when Arco Group Plc presented Ogueh with the National Diaspora Merit Award at the 2025 Nigerians in Diaspora celebrations in Abuja on July 25 and 26.
Beyond the classroom, Ogueh serves as Vice President of Digital Education at the tech startup Scrumban.AI. Through her multifaceted career, Voke Ogueh continues to exemplify the global impact of dedicated educators and the powerful synergy between academic foundation and technological innovation.
