Amid the swirl of academic pursuits and achievements at Middle Tennessee State University, a group of students and faculty recently took center stage for their standout contributions. According to MTSU News, the University College's annual awards ceremony, held at the Miller Education Center on May 1, recognized the dedication and excellence within its community. This year, returning to an in-person format for the first time since 2019, they honored both students and educators alike, serving up over 25 scholarships along with numerous accolades.
In what marked a return to more traditional celebrations, the event featured remarks from University College Dean Richard Sluder who extended his gratitude for the hard work of the award committee amidst the rigors of selection, they weren't alone in praise, the students and faculty also receiving their share for their unwavering commitment to education. Among the honored, James Rogers Jr., a U.S. Air Force member and integrated studies major, was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Student of the Year—a title he earned through active online engagement and promoting mental health awareness in the military. As Rogers informed MTSU News, "I'm just very grateful for everyone that has supported me," he continued, "It just shows that hard work pays off."
Sherry Preston stood out as the Outstanding Graduate Award recipient. As a senior contract specialist from Woodbury, her performance won her kudos from MTSU's Master of Professional Studies Program coordinator, Pamela Morris, echoed by a nod to Preston's generosity in sharing her insights with peers. The inaugural Scholars Academy Award, aimed at lauding the successful transition of a first-year student, went to Farrah Renfroe, a pre-law political science major, underscoring both her academic and personal strides since joining MTSU, with the award presented by associate vice provost of Student Success, Michelle Arnold.
Faculty found their efforts equally spotlighted, with University Studies Department chair Matthew Duncan handing out awards to Christina Cobb for Tenured Professor, Allison Brown as Non-Tenured Faculty Member, Brian Dudak with the fresh Dual Enrollment Faculty accolade, Elisha Lawrence dubbed Outstanding Adjunct Instructor, and Scott McDaniel for Online Faculty Member—an ensemble of educators carved by their commitment to pedagogy and student growth. Speaking to her peers' talent and dedication, Brown let MTSU News know, "It means a great deal to be recognized, especially knowing how many talented and dedicated colleagues I work with in University Studies," she added, "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."
Several more individuals basked in the glow of the EXL initiative's student and faculty awards, which acknowledge contributions to the University's Experiential Learning program. The ceremony wrapped with Jeana Nier, an enrollment advisor, receiving the Dean’s Staff Award from Sluder himself. Underlining the significance of these scholarships and awards, Katie Enzor, the director of development initiatives for University College, touched upon the notion that this financial support is an investment in potential, made viable by the generosity of donors and the MTSU community.
