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A group of university faculty members pose for a photo with the awards they've won.

EKU Faculty Honored for Excellence

In commemoration of excellence at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), faculty members were honored at the 2024-25 University Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony on April 10 in the Keen Johnson Building. 

“EKU places a high value on excellence and innovation in teaching, faculty leadership and student success. This event celebrates those who exemplify these values,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Each of our award winners were nominated because of their exceptional dedication to their work and to our students. It is crucial that we pause to celebrate our successes throughout each academic year and show our faculty and staff how appreciated they are.” 

“Faculty are the foundation of a university—their expertise, dedication and mentoring prepare students for the many challenges awaiting them upon graduation,” remarked EKU Provost Sara Zeigler. “The faculty being honored have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and their work transforms students and the Commonwealth. It is a privilege to have them as colleagues and to honor their work.” 

The faculty awards cover several categories, including leadership, teaching, scholarship, first-year courses, graduate profile recognitions, EKU Libraries partnership awards and others. 

The 2024-25 University Faculty Awards and recipients include:



Faculty Leadership Award

  • Dr. Todd McCardle, Associate Professor & Director of Educator Preparation Accreditation 


Teaching-Focused Awards

  • Faculty Innovation in Teaching Awards – Dr. Beth Killian, Assistant Professor, Nursing
  • Transformative Teaching Award – Dr. Sara Rico-Godoy, Assistant Professor, Spanish
  • Dr. Jerry Pogatshnik Graduate Faculty Award – Dr. Yoshie Nakai, Professor, Psychology


Scholarship-Focused Awards

  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award – Dr. James Kirby Easterling, Associate Professor & Program Director, Global Supply Chain Management 


First-Year Courses Awards

  • Outstanding First-Time Instructor of a Student Success Seminar – Jagger Coffey, Technology Resource Manager
  • Outstanding First-Year Instructor of an Exploratory/Success First Student Success Seminar – Jaime Roberts, Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Chief Investigator and Alex White, Coordinator, First Year Courses
  • Outstanding First-Year Instructor of a College-Specific Student Success Seminar – Dr. Jamie Woolery, Student Engagement Director and Dr. Bill Thornburgh, Assistant Professor, Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership
  • Distinguished First-Year Instructor – Rachel Cook, Academic Advisor, NOVA


Graduate Profile Recognitions: Essential Employability Skills

  • Integrating Employability Skills (Faculty) – Dr. Jennifer Fairchild, Professor, Communication
  • Commitment to Employability Skills (Staff) – Alex White, Coordinator, First Year Courses


EKU Libraries Partnership Award

  • Dr. Erin Presley, Professor, Department of English and Coordinator, Appalachian Studies Program


Society of Foundation Professors

  • Dr. Scotty Dunlap, Professor, School of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
  • Dr. Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Professor, Occupational Therapy


Blanchard Service Award

  • Jackie Couture, Director of Special Collections & Archives
  • Debbie Whalen, Special Collection Librarian


Rowlett Award

  • Dr. Amanda Green, Associate Professor of Anthropology


Faculty award winners are announced during EKU’s Scholars Showcase, held each year in April. Departments are encouraged to nominate candidates for award categories, and applications for most awards are submitted to the Office of the Provost in mid-January. 


The 2025 Scholars Showcase runs April 7-25, with several events to celebrate, showcase and promote faculty and student scholarship, research and creative endeavors. See the full schedule of events for Scholars Showcase.

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