Jacksonville, AL – Dr. Lori L. Hensley, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Jacksonville State University, has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award, the league announced Thursday.
The award, established by the presidents and chancellors of Conference USA member institutions, honors outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching, research, and service within their university communities. Each of the ten awardees will move forward as nominees for the coveted CUSA Professor of the Year title, to be selected later this year by a vote of university provosts across the conference.
“Today, we celebrate these outstanding faculty members whose extraordinary contributions inspire excellence in the classroom, advance the boundaries of knowledge through groundbreaking research, and foster meaningful change through dedicated service,” said Dr. Alisa White, President of Sam Houston State University and Chair of the CUSA Board of Directors.
At JSU, Dr. Hensley is widely recognized for her pioneering research in molecular oncology, particularly her work with cannabinoid-based treatments for pediatric cancers. Her innovative investigations have yielded significant insights and helped pave the way for new therapeutic approaches. Equally notable is her deep dedication to student mentorship and experiential learning, guiding both undergraduate and graduate students toward successful careers in the medical and biological sciences.
Dr. Hensley has also been instrumental in enhancing research opportunities for students within the classroom. She secured grant funding to implement five course-embedded undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) – a departmental first – giving students invaluable hands-on scientific training. Additionally, she co-authored the grant that launched the Cell Biology Education Consortium (CBEC), a national initiative aimed at supporting faculty in integrating cell culture research into undergraduate instruction. CBEC has grown to include more than 200 registered faculty members and has funded 27 primarily undergraduate institutions across the nation.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Hensley and grateful for her leadership in teaching, research, and service,” said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at JSU. “Her passion for student success and scientific discovery embodies the values we hold dear at Jax State.”
Dr. Hensley joins an elite group of scholars recognized with the 2025 Faculty Achievement Award. Other honorees include Dr. Noël C. Barengo (Florida International), Dr. May H. Gao (Kennesaw State), Dr. Brianne L. Friberg (Liberty), Dr. Jamie J. Newman (Louisiana Tech), Mr. Robert D. Gordon, Jr. (Middle Tennessee), Dr. Niall Hanan (New Mexico State), Dr. Yuan Zhao (Sam Houston State), Dr. Amy E. Wagler (UTEP), and Dr. Julia Roberts (Western Kentucky).
The Conference USA Professor of the Year will be announced later in 2025.
