BOONE, N.C. — Each year, Appalachian State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) recognizes several members of the faculty and staff for outstanding service, teaching, and scholarly work. The 2023-24 award nominees and recipients were recognized during a celebratory luncheon held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in the Grandview Ballroom at Appalachian's North End Zone Facility at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
See the full lists of award recipients, nominees and committee members below.
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Academy of Outstanding Teachers
Dr. Sarah-Beth Long, Professor | Department of English
Dr. Long is recognized as an effective and creative teacher, as well as a supportive mentor to students—those in her courses, as well as those seeking internships, which she coordinates for the department. A former student related how Long helped them through a tough time that required navigating readmission, then commended her for outstanding and inspiring teaching, making each class not only exciting and challenging, but also relevant and useful for internships and employment after graduation. In the words of that student, Long “displays enthusiasm and competence as a professor, advisor and pillar of support for all students who are lucky enough to know her.”
Dr. Lori Renda-Francis, Veterinary Technology Lecturer and Content Developer | Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Dr. Renda-Francis teaches across the Veterinary Technology curriculum, from animal anatomy and pathology, to the capstone course, which she designed, and which a nominator described as particularly challenging to design because it involves different cohorts and multiple syllabi. Renda-Francis also serves as mentor and advisor to the Appalachian chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians. She is recognized for supporting and guiding students, empowering them to “tackle complex problems with confidence and innovation” and to prepare for national exams and for the careers on which they are embarking.
Dr. Randall Reed, Professor | Department of Philosophy and Religion
Dr. Reed teaches a heavy load of large classes, as well as smaller and specialized courses, across a variety of formats. His stated current interests include the “relationship between Religion and Technology and the Future of Religion. As technology advances, it is informed by religious values and concerns and it influences the way humans interact in religious institutions and their conceptions of spirituality.” Reed has active student-involved research on questions of technology, including artificial intelligence, and the future of religion. His students and colleagues alike appreciate his deep knowledge, passion for teaching, skill as an explainer and explorer of new technology and devotion to students’ personal and intellectual growth.
Dr. David Russell, Associate Professor | Department of Sociology
Dr. Russell teaches courses from introductory to graduate, on topics as varied as stress, aging, medical sociology and more. He also teaches research methods—quantitative and qualitative. Russell is known as a strong teacher and mentor. A colleague explained how Russell “creates an inclusive and caring classroom that allows students to fully explore the applications of sociological theory and research to real-world problems and situations. He also wants students to challenge themselves to think critically and creatively about how sociology and science will shape their lives and future careers. Notably, Russell thoroughly enjoys taking on our most challenging courses, including research methods, statistical analysis and capstone projects to push students to the brink of scientific madness and excellence.”
Joel Swanson, Senior Lecturer | Department of Computer Science
A former student called Swanson’s Introduction to Computer Systems course “infamous” among computer science students, writing, “The first time students are required to dive deep into the micro-level instructions that drive computer hardware. This course is known for its rigor, challenging students to break down and understand the intricate workings of computers.” This former student described Swanson’s approach to teaching: “With a profound command of the subject matter, Professor Swanson consistently elevates the classroom experience. As a lecturer, he challenges students to think critically and deeply about the material, fostering a conversational style of learning where further questioning is highly encouraged. His genuine concern for the personal and academic development of his students is evident in the countless hours he dedicates to their success, both inside and outside the classroom, and in the extensive resources he has compiled over his years of teaching to supplement in-class activities.”
Ann Wortinger, Veterinary Technology Lecturer and Content Development Coordinator | Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Wortinger teaches a variety of courses, including veterinary nursing, imaging and emergency medicine. She also created and manages a novel and useful teaching tool—the Blood Cell Library. Wortinger is appreciated for her commitment to student success and her adaptable and innovative teaching. She developed a Peer Mentoring Circle through CETLSS focused on ‘study habits in secondary education to provide students with peer support and strategies to improve their academic performance.’
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Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards
Dr. Randall Reed, Professor | Department of Philosophy and Religion
Dr. Reed was selected for the Tenure-Track Teacher of the Year Award. About the selection of Dr. Reed for the Outstanding Teacher of Year Award, committee chair Dr. Elizabeth Shay shared, "We selected for this honor a professor who has devoted nearly two decades to teaching at Appalachian, teaching a variety of courses that include 1000-level Gen Ed courses and advanced specialized courses for majors. His generosity in taking on expansive teaching duties along with research and service have left a mark in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, and his vigorous exploration and piloting of new and emerging information technology in the humanities elevate his teaching and research, offering a powerful example to all of us in the Academy grappling with technology in pedagogy."
Joel Swanson, Senior Lecturer | Department of Computer Science
Swanson was selected for the Non-Tenure-Track Teacher of the Year Award. A colleague wrote, “Students love him. I overheard a conversation among students last semester, who called Professor Swanson the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time). At Halloween last year, several students chose to ‘dress like Swanson’ in a polo shirt and khakis. One borrowed his name tag to complete the outfit. A couple of years back, students in the capstone course built a game in which Swanson’s image played a main role. I don’t know all the details of his magic, but I know it works. Students leave his courses having learned the content while enjoying the journey.”
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Donald W. Sink Family Outstanding Scholar Award
Dr. Jeanne Dubino, Professor | Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. Dubino—a professor of English, global studies and animal studies—has taught at Appalachian since 2006 and has served as a Fulbright scholar and lecturer at Egerton University in Kenya and Northeastern University in China. She has co-edited seven edited collections and published 19 peer-reviewed articles and academic book chapters since arriving at Appalachian. Additionally, Dubino has served or is serving as a reader or reviewer for 21 journals, has been or is on the editorial or advisory board for 11 journals and has reviewed manuscripts for five of the leading book publishers in the field.
A colleague wrote about Dubino, “She began her career as a Virginia Woolf scholar, and it was in this area of literary studies that she first established her reputation. She remains active and well-recognized in this field, and she is a vital member of several editorial boards and professional organizations in Woolf scholarship. But she has also moved beyond this field of study in fascinating ways, most notably in her work in the field of critical animal studies. At times that scholarship has mapped novel intersections of thought. At other times, her scholarship has taken Professor Dubino’s work in entirely new directions, most notably her book in progress entitled, Global Subjects on the Move: Stray Dogs in Modern and Contemporary World Literature.”
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Excellence in Engagement Award
Dr. Conrad "Ozzie" Ostwalt, Professor | Department of Philosophy and Religion
Dr. Ostwalt—a professor of religious studies and the acting chair of the Department of Sustainable Development—has been a faculty member at Appalachian for 37 years. For the past decade, he has produced and hosted an award-winning television series entitled “Religion in Life.” On the show, Ostwalt interviews individuals on a local and national level, including community members associated with F.A.R.M. Café, the Islamic Center of Boone and the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies. He has also delivered several talks to community groups, sharing his scholarly expertise with residents of Boone and the surrounding area.
“By building connections among people of many faith communities and secular audiences locally and regionally, Ozzie has enhanced the quality of life of citizens of North Carolina in tangible ways, promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and community-building,” wrote a colleague.
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Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award
Dr. Jamie Levine, Professor | Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
The committee highlighted Levine's involvement in department and university committees and commitment to student mentorship through her roles as an academic, research and club advisor. In their nomination materials, colleagues specifically praised Levine for her leadership of the department's first Appointment, Promotion and Tenure Committee and her membership in the University's Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures Committee for over five years. Levine, who was previously honored with the Chancellor's Inclusive Excellence for Faculty Award and the CAS Inclusive Excellence Award, has made equity, fairness and acceptance her mission, weaving them into her coursework, research and everyday interactions with both colleagues and students.
A nominator wrote about Levine, “I have come to know her as an incredible researcher, a tough-as-nails field geologist, a challenging and demanding educator and research advisor, as well as a warm, friendly, approachable teacher, colleague, and mentor who has chosen to dedicate her service career to improving students’ experiences at Appalachian. I honestly don’t know how she does it all so well, but she does.”
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Outstanding Staff Award
Sarah Novak, Administrative Support Specialist | Department of Government and Justice Studies
“Sarah’s contributions to the department are hard to measure because she has positively affected every aspect of department life,” wrote a colleague about Novak. “One of Sarah’s strongest skills is problem solving. As we have almost 40 faculty and staff in this department, problem solving is a daily task. She has regularly scheduled duties of managing syllabi, office hours, book requests and other course needs every semester. This does not account for the daily random needs and requests from not only faculty, but our 1000+ majors, minors and graduate students. In addition, she is responsible for working with the assistant chair to assign advising loads to faculty, check course locations during the scheduling period and other various related responsibilities. You can imagine that with 40 faculty and the second highest enrollment in CAS, coordinating all the members of Government and Justice Studies is no easy feat. Sarah makes it look easy.”
Another nominator explained, “She wrangled multiple computers, set up an amazing office space and helped me to navigate countless forms, profiles and access issues. While some might dismiss this as little more than doing her job, it was the pleasure, humor and kindness with which Sarah did each of these things that was truly extraordinary...I truly think she could call any office in Boone and reach a friend–old or new.”
Carla Penders, Assistant Director | College of Arts and Sciences Advising and Support Services Hub
“Carla consistently demonstrates a profound concern for the well-being of everyone in our academic community. She goes above and beyond to support students and colleagues, always ready to lend an empathetic ear or offer assistance that is well-grounded through her time as a faculty member and advisor in CAS,” wrote a nominator. “Whether it's through student advocacy, providing one-on-one support during stressful periods to students, faculty and staff or simply being a reliable and compassionate presence, Carla’s impact on our College and University constituents is both meaningful and far-reaching.”
The nominator emphasized how Penders goes above and beyond, writing, "Her proactive approach often leads her to identify and address needs before they become apparent to others. Carla’s willingness to take on additional responsibilities and her innovative solutions to challenges regularly set new benchmarks for what can be achieved.”
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Richard N. Henson Outstanding Advisor Award
Amy Hudnall, Senior Lecturer | Department of History
Throughout their nomination letters, students praised Hudnall for her professionalism and expertise as an academic advisor. A nominator wrote, "Amy is exceptionally timely with her responses, and is clearly knowledgeable in all aspects of her role as an advisor. She has gone above and beyond her role in each advising session, helping me complete my degree program on time and has given me excellent advice regarding my academic timeline."
Beyond the academic assistance she provides, Hudnall genuinely cares about her students' wellbeing. An advisee wrote, "She has an amazing way of making a student feel like more than just a side responsibility and a number, but a budding adult who could use a reminder that they're: 1) capable, 2) have access to mental health resources and 3) can advocate for themselves through proper channels if need be."
Similarly, another advisee shared, "She wanted to ensure that my mental and physical wellbeing were intact. She made me feel like there was someone that actually cared about me on campus. She was able to provide a safe space where I felt like I could go and be comfortable, even if it was just to sit. So yes, Amy is kind, understanding and caring. But she is so much more than those simple characteristic words can describe."
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Student Success Award
The Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management Program
The Industrial Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management (IOHRM) graduate program was selected for the inaugural Student Success Award. A student in the program wrote, “Before I had even started my program, I was put into a group chat, created by our soon-to-be second years, with all of the other members of my cohort. This allowed me to begin trying to find a roommate for housing, start to get to know my soon-to-be cohort and ask questions to our second years regarding anything I was concerned, curious or confused about before moving to Boone. From the very beginning, I felt connected.”
“The culture of the program, which was intentionally shaped over the years by the faculty and former students, is highly collegial and the students often become very close, typically leading to several social events and trips the cohorts organize on weekends and breaks,” explained a nominator. “This culture of collaboration is a key factor facilitating student success in the program.”
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William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
Dr. Song Shu, Assistant Professor | Department of Geography and Planning
About the selection of Dr. Shu for the Strickland Award, committee member Dr. Mathew Foust shared, "Since arriving at App State in 2019, this faculty member has maintained an active research agenda with 22 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, amassing over 1,000 citations; has secured multiple internal and external grants in support of their research and has made distinctive contributions to the intellectual life of the university through collaborative projects with faculty, students and local communities. The committee finds itself in agreement with the opinion of those who nominated the awardee: This faculty member has made significant developments to the fields of remote sensing, water resource management, geospatial computation and cryosphere studies, with timely implications in the context of global climate change. We are impressed by his high-impact publication record, pioneering research methodologies and commitment to guide students in the Department of Geography and Planning to informed use of geographic information systems and remote sensing concepts in their own research."
Dr. Sarah-Beth Long, Dr. Song Shu, Dr. Ozzie Ostwalt, Joel Swanson, Dr. David Russell, Carla Penders, Sarah Novak, Dr. Mike Madritch, Dr. Tim Huelsman and Dr. Jamie Levine at the CAS Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Award Nominees
Outstanding Staff Award
Holly Ambler (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Mary Beth McKee (Rural Resilience and Innovation)
Shane Miller (Computer Science)
Sarah Novak (Government and Justice Studies)
Kim Paramo (Biology)
Carla Penders (CASSH)
Gloria Rhoney (Biology)
Patrick Richardson (Physics and Astronomy)
Leigha Wright (Rural Resilience and Innovation)
Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award
Jamie Levine (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Matthew Robinson (Government and Justice Studies)
William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
Cara Fiore (Biology)
Bethany Mannon (English)
Christopher Marier (Government and Justice Studies)
Adam McKay (Physics and Astronomy)
Elizabeth Perego (History)
Kelly Renwick (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Song Shu (Geography and Planning)
Melissa Stone (English)
Katie Wolsiefer (Psychology)
Donald W. Sink Family Outstanding Scholar Award
Jeanne Dubino (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Michael Gangloff (Biology)
David Russell (Sociology)
Rahman Tashakkori (Computer Science)
Student Success Award
Department of Biology Peer Mentors Program
Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management Program
Saskia van de Gevel (Geography and Planning)
Watauga Residential College Council
Misa Yamamoto (Languages, Literatures and Cultures)
Richard N. Henson Outstanding Advisor Award
Ashley Adams (Biology)
Holly Ambler (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Phillip Ardoin (Government and Justice Studies)
William Armstrong (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Daniel Baker (Government and Justice Studies)
A.J. Barghothi (Government and Justice Studies)
Andrew Bellemer (Biology)
Rachel Bleich (Biology)
Reagan Breitenstein (Psychology)
Jon Carter (Anthropology)
Jennifer Cecile (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Brooke Christian (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Robert Creed (Biology)
Megen Culpepper (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Jon Davenport (Biology)
Benito del Pliego (Languages, Literatures and Cultures)
Jim Deni (Psychology)
Carl Eby (English)
Adrienne Erazo (Languages, Literatures and Cultures)
Craig Fischer (English)
Leonardo Flores (English)
Joseph Gonzalez (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Kristina Groover (English)
Allison Gulley (English)
Brooke Hester (Physics and Astronomy)
William Hicks (Government and Justice Studies)
Amy Hudnall (History)
Mohammad Ali Javidian (Computer Science)
Ece Karatan (Biology)
Mary Kinkel (Biology)
Ellen Lamont (Sociology)
Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Nancy Love (Government and Justice Studies)
Paul Lucas (Government and Justice Studies)
Emily Lutenski (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Bethany Mannon (English)
Jessica Martell (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Jennifer Morris (History)
Lynn Mosteller (Psychology)
Savannah Murray (English)
Bradley Nash (Sociology)
Adam Newmark (Government and Justice Studies)
Lucinda Payne-Smith (Psychology)
Andrew Polonsky (Computer Science)
Clare Scott-Chialvo (Biology)
Darren Seals (Biology)
Nicholas Shaw (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Elizabeth Shay (Geography and Planning)
Lynn Siefferman (Biology)
Christina Sornito Carter (Anthropology)
Rahman Tashakkori (Computer Science)
Brett Taubman (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Shea Tuberty (Biology)
Saskia van de Gevel (Geography and Planning)
John Walker (Biology)
Dieter Weber (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Jennifer Wilson (English)
Katie Wolsiefer (Psychology)
Paul Worley (Languages, Literatures and Cultures)
Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Teacher of the Year Award
Jacob Babb (English)
Rachel Bleich (Biology)
Pablo Chialvo (Biology)
Cary Curlee (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Jon Gordon (Sociology)
Steven Hageman (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Kinji Ito (Languages, Literatures and Cultures)
Sarah-Beth Long (English)
Johnnie Lotesta (Sociology)
Mark Nunes (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Randall Reed (Philosophy and Religion)
Lori Renda-Francis (Rural Resilience and Innovation)
David Russell (Sociology)
Lynn Siefferman (Biology)
Johnathan Sugg (Geography and Planning)
Joel Swanson (Computer Science)
Ann Wortinger (Rural Resilience and Innovation)
Selection Committees
Melissa Auten (Career Development Center)
Jacob Babb (English)
Jimmy Beveridge (Anthropology)
Mark Bradbury (CAS)
Craig Caldwell (History)
Ruth Carmi (Sociology)
Mary Beth Crass (CAS)
Birendra Dhungana (Physics and Astronomy)
Mathew Foust (Philosophy and Religion)
Sandie Gravett (Philosophy and Religion)
Mike Hambourger (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Joseph Jakubek (Sociology)
Ryan Kennedy (Psychology)
Anton Kananovich (Physics and Astronomy)
Donna Lillian (CAS)
Nancy Love (Government and Justice Studies)
Folarin Oguntoyinbo (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Elizabeth Shay (Geography and Planning)
Kyle Stevens (English)
Kelly Thames (Sociology)
Peter Thompson (Government and Justice Studies)
Noah Williams (Mathematical Sciences)
During the luncheon, six recipients of 2024 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Awards were also recognized. Dr. Brooke Christian (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences) received the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching and Dr. Ellen Lamont (Sociology) received the Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Lisa Curtin (Psychology), Benjamin Good (English), Dr. Ellen Key (Government and Justice Studies) and Leah Sherman (Physics and Astronomy) received Appalachian State University School/College Awards.
CAS congratulates all of the award nominees and recipients and thanks the committee members for their willingness to serve. To learn more about the CAS Faculty and Staff Awards, visit cas.appstate.edu/faculty-staff/awards.
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About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
December 2, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University
The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University