MTSU’s University College awards students, faculty for outstanding efforts

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s University College recently hosted its annual awards ceremony at the Miller Education Center to recognize selected students and faculty for their efforts to boost the unit’s educational mission and also award more than 25 scholarships.

Held May 1 in the MEC atrium and the first in-person ceremony since 2019, this year’s event began with remarks by University College Dean Richard Sluder, who thanked the award committee for completing the challenging task of choosing the winners while applauding those students and faculty that have shown outstanding dedication to their educations and values.

Middle Tennessee State University student James Rogers Jr., left holds the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award he received at the University College Awards ceremony held May 1 at the Miller Education Center atrium on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. At right is with Dianna Rust, University Studies professor. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith)

James Rogers Jr., of Lenoir City, an integrated studies major and member of the U.S. Air Force, was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student of the Year. He was nominated for his consistent and meaningful participation in online courses, along with his efforts to raise awareness about mental health challenges in his profession.

“I’m just very grateful for everyone that has supported me,” said Rogers. “It just shows that hard work pays off.”

Pamela Morris, coordinator of the Master of Professional Studies Program, presented Sherry Preston, a senior contract specialist, with the Outstanding Graduate Award. The Woodbury resident was noted as a “model student who generously shares her valuable insights with peers” by her nominator.

The Scholars Academy Award was created this year and is awarded to a first-year student who has been outstanding during their transition to MTSU both academically and personally. Farrah Renfroe, a pre-law political science major from Cordova, is the first recipient of the award, presented by Michelle Arnold, associate vice provost of Student Success.

Middle Tennessee State University student Farrah Renfroe, a pre-law political science major, holds the inaugural Scholars Academy Award presented by Michelle Arnold, associate vice provost of Student Success, at the University College Awards ceremony held May 1 at the Miller Education Center atrium on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith)

Faculty awards

Faculty awards were presented by Matthew Duncan, chair of the University Studies Department.

Christina Cobb received the Outstanding Tenured Professor Award.
Allison Brown was named Outstanding Non-Tenured Faculty Member.
Brian Dudak, who has taught at five different high schools over six years, won the inaugural Dual Enrollment Faculty Award.
Elisha Lawrence was honored as the Outstanding Adjunct Instructor, noted for his high student ratings and inspiring impact on students’ career choices.
Scott McDaniel was presented the Outstanding Online Faculty Member Award.

“It means a great deal to be recognized, especially knowing how many talented and dedicated colleagues I work with in University Studies,” said Brown, a University Studies lecturer. “I am incredibly grateful to those who nominated me and supported me with letters of recommendation. Most importantly, this award motivates me to continue striving to support my students.”

Middle Tennessee State University hosted the University College Awards ceremony May 1 at the Miller Education Center atrium on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Pictured holding their faculty awards are, from left, Allison Brown, outstanding non-tenured faculty member; Scott McDaniel, outstanding online instructor; award presenter Matthew Duncan, chair of University Studies; Christina Cobb, outstanding tenured faculty member; and Elisha Lawrence, outstanding adjunct instructor. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith)

Other awards

Awards were also given to students and faculty under MTSU’s Experiential Learning, or EXL, initiative led by Director Carol Swayze. She recognized students Roda Andruga, Madison Staggs, and Charlene Shelton, along with faculty members Carla Fox, Daryl Hickman, Dianne Edmondson, Melissa Palicka, Tammy Donham and Lori Kissinger.

A total of 27 scholarships were awarded to students, with Katie Enzor, director of development initiatives for University College, emphasizing the importance of scholarships as investments in potential, made possible by the support of donors, administration, faculty and staff.

The awards ceremony concluded with the final award given to Jeana Nier, an enrollment advisor who received the Dean’s Staff Award from Sluder.

For a full list of winners, visit http://university-college.mtsu.edu/university-college-awards/.

— Hunter Patterson (Hunter.Patterson@mtsu.edu) and Jordan Reining (Jordan.Reining@mtsu.edu)