CESHS Faculty/Staff Awards

Nomination Information

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 CESHS Award Ceremony. 

The CESHS Award of Excellence recognizes the outstanding contributions and achievements of faculty (both full-time and adjunct) and staff whose primary appointment is within the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences (CESHS). Nominations will be solicited each spring, and a selection committee composed of CESHS faculty and staff will review submissions. Up to five individuals or small groups (2 to 3 individuals) will be honored for demonstrating excellence in at least one of our five award categories. Nominators are encouraged to highlight the nominee’s impact within a single category or across multiple areas. To view descriptions of the five award categories, click the drop down menus below under "CESHS Award of Excellence Categories." Faculty, staff, and students can submit nominations. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Nominees will be notified of which area(s) they have been nominated in and encouraged to attend the award ceremony. During the event, all nominees will be recognized, and award recipients will be announced. The nominator or a member of the leadership team will read an excerpt from the nomination during the presentation.

 

CESHS Award of Excellence Categories

    Faculty and staff who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, supervision, and/or mentoring; show strong collaboration within the college; are able to challenge students to excel.

    Faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude, fostering a supportive college environment.

    Faculty and staff who go above and beyond assigned responsibilities; show deep commitment to the growth of the department, college, and/or university.

    Faculty and staff who engage in outreach or scholarly work that creates opportunities for students, positively impacts the community, advances disciplinary knowledge, or fosters innovation.

    Faculty and staff whose contributions not captured in the categories above significantly advance the college’s and/or university’s mission and vision.

 

CESHS Nominees and Awardees* for University Awards

    The highest honor the Winthrop Community can bestow upon a faculty member is the title Distinguished Professor of the Year. The selection indicates exceptional skill in teaching, significant research or creative effort, high standing among professional colleagues, and general service to the university. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation. 

    Past Nominees and Awardees*

    • 2025 - Janet Wojcik
    • 2024 - April Mustian
    • 2023 - Janet Wojcik
    • 2022 - Janet Wojcik
    • 2020 - Brad Witzel*
    • 2019 - Deb Leach
    • 2018 - Deb Leach
    • 2017 - Deb Leach
    • 2016 - Linda Pickett
    • 2015 - Brad Witzel
    • 2014 - Brad Witzel
    • 2013 - Carol Marchel

    This award recognizes excellence among assistant professors. Selection indicates a reputation for inspired teaching, research or creative excellence, and dedication to the welfare of students. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation.

    Past Nominees and Awardees*

    • 2025 - Amy Clausen
    • 2023 - Sarah Marie Catalana Berry
    • 2022 - Sherry Hoyle
    • 2021 - Erin Hamel and Sherry Hoyle
    • 2020 - Crystal Glover* and Lindsay Yearta
    • 2019 - Crystal Glover, David Schary, and Lindsay Yearta
    • 2018 - David Schary
    • 2017 - Crystal Glover
    • 2016 - Seth Jenny
    • 2015 - Seth Jenny
    • 2014 - Shawnna Helf
    • 2013 - Kavin Ming

    The James Pinckney Kinard and Lee Wicker Kinard Award for Excellence in Teaching, established in honor of former president James Pinckney Kinard and his wife, Lee Wicker Kinard, in 1984 by their family, is based on dedication to teaching, reputation on campus for teaching, and reputation among students. This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation. 

    Past Nominees and Awardees*

    • 2024 - Crystal Glover*
    • 2023 - Shawnna Helf and Shelley Hamill*
    • 2022 - Shawnna Helf
    • 2021 - Shawnna Helf
    • 2020 - Kelly Costner
    • 2019 - Alice McLaine* and Kelly Costner
    • 2016 - Kristi Schoepfer
    • 2015 - Kristi Schoepfer
    • 2014 - Kristi Schoepfer
    • 2013 - Brad Witzel

    The Robert and Norma Thompson Endowment was established during the university's first capital campaign.  The fund provides for reassigned time for two classes per year for a faculty member "to work on projects that strengthen the academic, intellectual, and co-curricular life of the university."

    Past Nominees and Awardees*

    • 2016 - Shawnna Helf* and Deb Leach
    • 2014 - AJ Angulo and Shawnna Helf
    • 2013 - Jennifer Jordan
    • 2009 - Carol Marchel*

    This award, established in 2008, recognizes outstanding teaching at the graduate level and significant contributions to graduate education at Winthrop.  This honor is accompanied by a cash award from the Winthrop Foundation.

    Past Nominees and Awardees*

    • 2025 - Sherry Hoyle
    • 2024 - Tammy Burnham
    • 2023 - April Mustian
    • 2018 - Lisa Harris* 
    • 2015- Jennifer Jordan*
    • 2014 - Jonatha Vare
    • 2013 - Wanda Briggs
    • 2009 - Brad Witzel*

    Presented by the Division of Student Life at the Faculty, Staff, and Retirees Awards Ceremony in the spring in recognition of a faculty member that has significantly contributed to the quality of Student Life and the Winthrop University community of learners.

    Past Nominees and Awardees*

    • 2019 - Sherell Fuller*
    • 2014 - Geoff Morrow*
    • 2013 - Kristi Schoepfer*
    • 2012 - Dave Vawter*
    • 2007 - Danella Kasparek*
    • 2004 - Shelly Hamill*

 

CESHS Faculty and Staff Awards Archive: 2015-2024

    The Adjunct Faculty Award highlights a faculty member who has demonstrated excellent teaching skills, works well with colleagues in the CESHS, and challenges students to do their best work. She/he is someone who provides plenty of academic learning time in the classroom, effective assignments, and works well with students outside the classroom. An adjunct faculty is a person teaching at least three hours per year, but less than ten hours per term.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Patty Sparks
    • 2023 - Jennifer Holmes
    • 2022 - Griffen Williams
    • 2021 - Danne Kasparek
    • 2020 - Vickie Brockman
    • 2019 - Kathy Sullivan
    • 2018 - Gayle Sawyer
    • 2017 - Daniel Lundy
    • 2016 - Stacy Ard
    • 2015 - Jennifer Vickery and Tammy Burnham

    As the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences extends its vision to include direct emphasis on collaboration with other colleges, the community, and schools/organizations, this award distinguishes a faculty member for extensive efforts in outreach. Results of such efforts can include, but are not limited to, increased opportunities for WU students to engage in authentic learning experiences, positive impact on community members, opportunities for faculty engagement in the workplace, and more.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Ryan Morrison
    • 2023 - Joni Boyd and Jen Bossi
    • 2022 - Dennis Dotterer
    • 2021 - Jason Chung
    • 2020 - David Schary
    • 2019 - Joyce Camp
    • 2017 - Erin Hamel 
    • 2016 - Linda Pickett
    • 2015 - Charlie Bowers

    This award recognizes a full-time faculty member for unusually significant and meritorious achievement in teaching and the scholarship of teaching which enhances the effectiveness of instruction.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Miranda Sigmon
    • 2023 - Richard Cox
    • 2022 - Sarah Marie Catalana Berry
    • 2021 - Stacy Martin
    • 2020 - Koti Hubbard
    • 2019 - Sherry Hoyle
    • 2018 - Bettie Parsons Barger
    • 2015 - Shawnna Helf

    The Research and Scholarship Award distinguishes a faculty member who has engaged in original research and/or writing characterized by a significant contribution to the field. State, regional, or national peers know the awardee as a leader in his/her field of inquiry. Through dissemination of his /her original work, the public recognizes the awardee as an expert in the field of applicable research.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Amy Clausen
    • 2023 - Minnie Mize
    • 2022 - Jacob Gdovin
    • 2021 - Joy Stapleton
    • 2020 - Crystal Glover
    • 2019 - Brad Witzel
    • 2017 - Lindsay Yearta
    • 2016 - Seth Jenny
    • 2015 - Deb Leach

    The Spirit and Collaboration Award recognizes a member of the college who consistently demonstrates enthusiasm and a positive attitude, thereby creating an environment more conducive to the success of the college.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Dan Drane
    • 2023 - April Mustian
    • 2022 - Geoff Morrow
    • 2021 - Crystal Glover
    • 2020 - Jared Androzzi and Adam Keath
    • 2019 - Chauncey Metzelaars
    • 2018 - Allison Paolini
    • 2017 - Shelly Hamill
    • 2016 - Geoff Morrow

    The Stewardship and Service Award recognizes contributions that go above and beyond the scope of faculty responsibilities. Identified as someone who cares deeply about the well-being and continued growth of the department, college, and university, this faculty member emulates devotion and forward thinking. This faculty member spends significant time on activities regardless of compensation or self-satisfaction.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Tenisha Powell
    • 2023 - Marshall Jones
    • 2022 - Crystal Glover and Alice McLaine
    • 2021 - Lauren McCoy
    • 2020 - Bettie Parsons Barger
    • 2019 - Pam Wash
    • 2018 - Kavin Ming
    • 2017 - Crystal Glover
    • 2016 - Deb Leach
    • 2015 - Melanie Powley

    The Student Engagement and Development Award signifies a considerable and sustained effort to actively engage students in the learning process. This faculty member builds positive relationships with students, extending educational opportunities beyond the classroom. As a skilled educator, the faculty member utilizes diverse and innovative teaching strategies and provides opportunities for students to develop as responsible, engaged citizens.

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Kimberly Oxley
    • 2023 - Sarah Butterbaugh
    • 2022 - Adam Keath
    • 2021 - Erin Hamel
    • 2020 - Jen Bossi
    • 2019 - Joni Boyd
    • 2018 - Sarah Marie Catalana
    • 2017 - Angela Bennett
    • 2016 - Alice McLaine
    • 2015 - Carol Marchel and Danne Kasparek

    The Support Staff Excellence in Service Award recognizes a support staff member for exceptional service to the unit, college, and university. This person facilitates the efficient and effective operation of their unit. 

    Past Recipients

    • 2024 - Liz Moore
    • 2023 - Jamie Larsen and Curlene Moise
    • 2022 - Alan Davis
    • 2021 - Kathie Park and Ruth Gaylor
    • 2020 - Joanna Harris
    • 2019 - Mary Ellen Lorow
    • 2018 - Jen Fricke
    • 2017 - Jane Rawls
    • 2016 - Dia Hablutzel
    • 2015 - Ruth Gaylor