Jax State honors faculty excellence at annual Faculty Awards Program
04/13/2026
Jacksonville State University recognized the outstanding achievements of its faculty during the annual Faculty Awards Program held April 9, celebrating excellence in teaching, research, service and campus leadership.
Hosted by the Office of the Provost and Faculty Commons, the annual event highlights the impact faculty members make both inside and outside the classroom. Awards are determined through a competitive process of self- and peer-nominations, with submissions reviewed by the Faculty Honors and Grants Committee.
This year’s ceremony carried a “Run for the Roses” theme, with attendees embracing Kentucky Derby-inspired attire and festivities.
2026 Faculty Award recipients
The Bill and Sandra Stone Dual Enrollment Adjunct Faculty Excellence in Teaching
Mr. Jim Roebuck, Mathematical, Computing & Information Sciences
The Bill and Sandra Stone Adjunct Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award
Ms. Sarah Faulkner, Art & Design
The Campus Technology Leadership Grant Award
Dr. Laura Pitts, Library
The Cleo and Carla Thomas Outstanding Community Education and Service Award
Dr. Melissa Duckett, Nursing
The Joanne E. Gates Faculty Research Award
Dr. Jennifer Gross, History & Foreign Languages
The Faculty Scholar Lecturer Award
Dr. Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology
The Bill and Sandra Stone University Service Award
Dr. Heidi Dempsey, Psychology
Provost Excellence in Teaching College Awards
College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences
- Dr. Rashad Ahmed, English
- Dr. Tenzing Ingty, Biology
College of Business and Industry
- Dr. Teddi Joyce, Communication
College of Education and Professional Studies
- Dr. Torsten Dryden, Professional Counseling & Leadership
College of Health Professions and Wellness
- Dr. Tammy Killen, Nursing
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Dr. Sally Zengaro, Psychology
Library Services
- Dr. Laura Pitts
The Betty and Earlon McWhorter Outstanding Teacher Award
Dr. Rashad Ahmed, English
Jax State Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award
Dr. Rashad Ahmed, English
The William A. Meehan Legacy Award
Dr. Randy Davis, English
The Provost’s Faculty Fellow for 2026–2027
Ms. Katelyn Walker, English
The President’s Faculty Fellow for 2026–2027
Dr. Meghan Burroughs, Kinesiology