JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University recognized the accomplishments of its faculty during the annual Faculty Awards Program held April 9, highlighting achievements in teaching, research, service, and campus leadership.
Hosted by the Office of the Provost and Faculty Commons, the event is designed to showcase the impact faculty members have both in the classroom and across the university community. Award recipients are selected through a competitive process that includes both self- and peer-nominations, with submissions evaluated by the Faculty Honors and Grants Committee.
This year’s ceremony featured a “Run for the Roses” theme, with attendees participating in Kentucky Derby-inspired attire and festivities while celebrating faculty contributions.
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
Campus Technology Leadership Grant Award
- Dr. Laura Pitts, Library
Cleo and Carla Thomas Outstanding Community Education and Service Award
- Dr. Melissa Duckett, Nursing
Joanne E. Gates Faculty Research Award
- Dr. Jennifer Gross, History & Foreign Languages
Faculty Scholar Lecturer Award
- Dr. Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology
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
Additional Honors
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
Provost’s Faculty Fellow for 2026–2027
- Ms. Katelyn Walker, English
President’s Faculty Fellow for 2026–2027
- Dr. Meghan Burroughs, Kinesiology
University officials noted the awards program as an opportunity to recognize the dedication and contributions of faculty members who support student success and academic excellence across the institution.
