In celebrating faculty at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), several instructors were honored at the 2026 EKU Faculty Awards on April 13. This event also included the Sabbatical Showcase which highlights the research, scholarly and creative accomplishments of faculty returning from sabbatical leave.
“Faculty Awards shine a light on the extraordinary work our faculty does every day to advance this institution,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Their excellence in teaching, leadership and scholarship defines EKU and strengthens our mission as the School of Opportunity.”
This event also recognized Dr. Shirley O’Brien, Foundation Professor in Occupational Therapy, announcing the naming of the Dr. Shirley O’Brien Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Impact Award in her honor. Retiring at the end of the year, O’Brien’s career is distinguished by numerous honors and recognitions, leadership, expertise and kindness. O’Brien’s legacy of mentorship to countless faculty and students will be sustained through the Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning’s new Dr. Shirley O’Brien Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Resource Library—a designated area within the Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning in the Crabbe Library, as well as a digital compilation of SoTL resources to support faculty in continuing the foundation that Dr. O’Brien established.
Celebrating excellence in several categories, the 2026 Faculty Award recipients included:
Faculty Leadership Award
Dr. Lisa Kay, Professor, Mathematics & Statistics
EKU Libraries Partnership Award
Dr. Ginny Whitehouse, Director/Professor, School of Communication, Appalachian Studies Program
First-Year Courses Awards
Outstanding Exploratory & Success-First Student Success Seminar Instructors – Jackie Atinger, Academic & Career Advisor, Office of Advising & Career Services (OACS); Kayla McHone, Academic Advisor, NOVA
Outstanding College-Specific Student Success Seminar Instructors – Dr. Rebecca Crawford, Assistant Professor, Applied Human Sciences; Tim Shearer, Advising Specialist, STEM
Distinguished Outstanding Student Success Seminar Instructor – Miranda Gibson, Clinical Faculty, Nursing
Graduate Profile Recognitions: Excellence in Graduate Profile Essential Skills
Leadership in Professional Development for Essential Skills – Dr. Pete Edwards, Assistant Professor, Education; Trenia Napier, University Librarian
Leadership in Assignment Redesign for Essential Skills – Kristin Birk, Lecturer, English; Dr. Martha Groppo, Associate Professor, History, Philosophy, & Religious Studies
Leadership in Engagement of Essential Skills: Dr. Beth Polin, Professor, Business; John Strada, Lecturer, Communications
Leadership in Essential Skill Innovation: Dr. Ali Yaylali, Assistant Professor, Education; Dr. Sara Rico Godoy, Assistant Professor, Language & Cultural Studies, Anthropology, & Sociology; Dr. Cui Zhang, Associate Professor, English; Dr. Jonathan Vorbeck, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion and Information
Scholarship-Focused Award
Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) Award – Dr. Brigette Hollern, Assistant Professor, Nursing
Society of Foundation Professors Recognitions:
2026-2028 Foundation Professors – Dr. Ray Richardson, Professor, Engineering and Technology; Dr. Bradford Wood, Professor, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
Society of Foundation Professors Rowlett Award – Dr. David Hayes, Professor, Biological Sciences
Teaching-Focused Awards:
Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award – Adria Thompson, Lecturer, Clinical Therapeutic Programs
Transformative Teaching Award – Shelby Champlin, Visiting Assistant Professor, Language & Cultural Studies, Anthropology, & Sociology; Niki Hill, Assistant Professor, Language & Cultural Studies, Anthropology, & Sociology
Dr. Jerry Pogatshnik Graduate Faculty Award – Dr. Todd McCardle, Interim Associate Director & Professor, Education
EKU’s Faculty Awards are held during EKU’s Scholars Showcase, each year in April.
By Christina Rannells
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