Dr. Shanita Pettaway earns 2024 Dr. Glenn Sebastian Faculty Award
Posted on December 3, 2024 by Sarah Waddell
Earlier this year Dr. Shanita Pettaway was awarded the Dr. Glenn Sebastian Faculty Member of the year by the Student Government Association. Each spring Senators nominate deserving faculty of their choice for the award. The Senators write summaries supporting their nominees, then all senators read the nominations and cast their votes.
Dr. Pettaway joined the University of South Alabama in 2023 and currently serves as part-time faculty and University Pre-Law Advisor in the department of political science and criminal justice. She was nominated by then-undergraduate student Olivia Martin. “Since Dr. Pettaway’s arrival on South’s campus, the Pre-Law program and its students have been able to grow and stay better updated about pre-law opportunities beyond our institution. The Pre-Law program helps connect students with application workshops, LSAT prep classes, LSAC reminders, and so much more to help encourage and support pre-law students. Dr. Pettaway has been a welcoming and insightful mentor that any student would be lucky to have.”
Pettaway is a Mobile native and recipient of many awards and distinctions, an inductee of honor and professional societies and a first-generation college graduate. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Administration of Higher Education, from Auburn University (2019); a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center (2012); a Master of Public Administration from Southern University and A & M College (2012); a Master of Education, Administration of Higher Education, from Auburn University (2017); a Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching from Auburn University (2017); and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Alabama A & M University (2008).
Professor Emeritus Dr. Glenn Sebastian joined the USA faculty in 1967 and retired in 2006. He was chair of the earth sciences department for 25 years. Sebastian’s enthusiasm for teaching and his love for students earned him a wide range of accolades, including the Outstanding Professor and Distinguished Service awards from the USA National Alumni Association and the Excellence in Teaching and Service awards from the College of Arts and Sciences. He was also very active in Greek life at South Alabama. He served as the chapter advisor of the Nu Mu chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon for many years. Sebastian is a former National Park Service Ranger and the campus trails are named after him. He is known for leading both students and community members through the area.