College of Education and Professional Studies Celebrates Excellence at Faculty and Staff Awards Reception
Posted on April 29, 2026 by Kerry Cohen
The College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama, recognized faculty, staff and community partners during its annual Faculty and Staff Awards Reception held Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The event celebrated individuals whose leadership, service and dedication continue to strengthen the college and support student success across its academic programs and initiatives.
“Tonight we celebrate the people whose work often happens behind the scenes but whose impact is felt every day across our college,” said Dr. Angela T. Barlow, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “Their commitment to service, innovation and student success continues to move our mission forward as we lead today and impact tomorrow.”
2026 Faculty and Staff Award Recipient
- Faculty Excellence in Research Award — Dr. Becky Giles, Professor, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education
- Outstanding Service Award — Dr. Shelly Bates, Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Sport
- Outstanding Service Award — Dr. Susan Ferguson, Associate Professor, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education
- Early Career Faculty Award — Dr. Drew Gossen, Assistant Professor, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education
- Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award — Dr. Kelly Byrd, Associate Professor, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education
- Outstanding Advising and Mentoring Award — Dr. Amy Upton, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences
- Outstanding Grant Writing Award — Dr. Shenghua Zha, Associate Professor, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences
- Gerry Jean Clark Staff Excellence Award of the Year — Kathryn Stevens, Custodian, College of Education and Professional Studies
- Community Partner Award — Kaleidoscope Adult Day Program
- Dean’s Award — Dr. Karen Anderson, Director, Office of Mathematics Improvement, Alabama State Department of Education
In addition, employees celebrating milestone years of service were recognized for their dedication and lasting contributions to the college.
Years of Service Honorees
- 15 Years of Service — Raphella Archie, Assistant Director, AMSTI
- 18 Years of Service — Darrell Bumpers, Equipment Specialist, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Sport
- 39 Years of Service — Glenda Carpenter, Word Processing Specialist, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education
- 31 Years of Service — Dr. Lauren Fergeau, Associate Professor, Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences
- 21 Years of Service — Jennifer Simpson, Director of Field Services and Senior Instructor in Elementary Education