The Awards of Distinction recognize the exceptional achievements, dedicated service, and transformative leadership of our faculty, staff, and students. This archive serves as a testament to the enduring impact of those who have gone above and beyond to enrich our campus community and advance the university’s mission.

UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Dr. Charlie ChenDepartment of Computer Information Systems
2024Dr. Brooke ChristianDepartment of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
2023Dr. Maryam AhmedDepartment of Biology
Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Dr. Shannon ClineDepartment of Recreation Management and Physical Education
2024Dr. Ellen LamontDepartment of Sociology
2023Emily DaughtridgeDepartment of Theatre and Dance
Appalachian State University School/College Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Alana BairdDepartment of Mathematical Sciences
2025Dr. Clare Scott ChialvoDepartment of Biology
2025Dr. Brandy HadleyDepartment of Finance, Banking and Insurance
2025Dr. Jamie LevineDepartment of Geological and Environmental Sciences
2025Dr. Katie MawhinneyDepartment of Mathematical Sciences
2024Benjamin GoodDepartment of English
2024Dr. Jordan HazelwoodDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciences
2024Dr. Ellen KeyDepartment of Government and Justice Studies
2024Dr. Lisa CurtinDepartment of Psychology
2024Dr. Leah ShermanDepartment of Physics and Astronomy
W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Amarah DinPolitical Science–Pre-Professional Legal Studies
2025Dr. Rita JoynerDepartment of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
2025Kathryn LongCommunication Sciences and Disorders
2025Dr. Heather Jo MashburnOffice of Community-Engaged Leadership
2025Misty MayfieldDepartment of Geography and Planning
2025Juan Pablo “J.P.” NeriHistory
2025Savannah RaleyPolitical Science–American Politics
2024Scott HaynesSchaefer Center for the Performing Arts
2024Caitlin LangleySustainable Development–Environmental Studies
2024Kaitlyn MillsExercise Science
2024Dr. Baker PerryDepartment of Geography and Planning
2024Abby SilversEnglish–Professional Writing
2024Eddie SimmonsDepartment of Recreation Management and Physical Education / University Recreation
2023Beth HolcombCampus Activities
2023Christian MartinMiddle Grades Education
2023Rylan O’ConnorElectronic Media/Broadcasting
2022Dr. Alex F. Howard 
2022Laura Buck 
2022Annabelle “Annie” Manges 
2021Jason Marshburn 
2021Dr. Thomas Mueller 
2021Aiyana Willoughby 
2020Rachael Beller 
2020Randy Edwards 
2020Grayson Farmer 
2020Sadie Maddock 
2019Roy Dale Cox 
2019Nikki Crees 
2019Harry Davis 
2019Jon Garst 
2019Evan Atkinson 
2019Traci D. Royster 
2018Elaine “Lainey” Everly 
2018Nicole Flournory 
2018Keith Martin 
2018Patrick Setzer 
2017Dr. Mike Mayfield 
2017Ms. Martha Marking 
2017Mr. Jonathan Mauldin 
2017Mr. John Martin “Jamal” Peters 
2016Ms. Emily Haas 
2016Mr. Greg Lovins 
2016Dr. Amy Dellinger Page 
2016Mr. Carson Rich 
2016Mr. Stanley Broaden 
2016Ms. Katherine Uva 
2015Dr. Unal Boya 
2015Mr. Dayton Cole 
2015Ms. Zoe Deloglos 
2015Mr. Merrick Marquie 
2014Dr. Sally Atkins 
2014Jacob Brooks 
2014Ms. Kate Johnson 
2014Dylan Russell 
2014Ms. Ashton Starnes 
2014Mr. John Weaver 
2013Ms. Lauren Brigman 
2013Dr. Jim Street 
2013James Terrell III 
2012Dr. Pat Geiger 
2012Dr. Scott Hunsinger 
2012Mr. David M. Lee 
2012Mr. Giovanni Modica 
2012Mr. Sam Williams 
2012Ms. Martha Wilson 
2011Dr. Philip Ardoin 
2011Ms. Laura Byrd 
2011Ms. Jenny Koehn 
2011Ms. Jean Roberts 
2011Mr. Peter Allen Rowe 
2010Ms. Courtney Rickenberg 
2010Ms. Jennifer Snodgrass 
2010Ms. Susie Greene 
2010Mr. Michael McSwain 
2009Mona Brandon 
2009Esther Manogin 
2009Susan Musilli 
2009William D. Windley 
2008Whitney E. Baker 
2008Kara A. Brown 
2008Forrest S. Gilliam 
2008William “Sonny” Struss 
2008Bryan C. Toney 
2008Tracey L. Wright 
2007Sarah Buchanan 
2007Jamarl Clark 
2007Dr. Holly Hirst 
2007Dawn Sheppard 
2007Brad Vest 
2006Adrianna N. DiBernardi 
2006Dr. Robert L. Johnson 
2006Kendrick C. Tillman 
2005Joe Carter 
2005Matthew Dull 
2005Edith Fuller 
2005Kelly Rhodes 
2004Amy Dixon 
2004Judy Haas 
2004Dr. Scott Meister 
2004Brian Merritt 
2004Dr. John Thomas 
2003Harvey R. Durham 
2003Robert Feid 
2003Dennis L. Jackson 
2003Pat Knight 
2003Seth R. Wood 
2002Dr. Art Quickenton 
2002Dave Robertson 
2002Shiona Christensen 
2001Vaughn Christian 
2001William Buck Derrick Jr. 
2001Ashley Goad 
2001Peggy Eller 
2000Dino DiBernardi 
2000Richard “Rick” Geis 
2000Joe Piacentino 
2000Eric Reichard 
2000Jimmy Smith 
2000Kiley Costner 
1999Erin Atkins 
1999Barbara Daye 
1999Edelma Huntley 
1999Micki Riggsbee Early 
1998James Jackson 
1998Fernando Little 
1998Lee McCaskey 
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Dr. Rahman TashakkoriDepartment of Computer Science
2024Dr. Alan NeedleDepartment of Public Health and Exercise Science and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
2023Dr. David KoppenhaverDepartment of Child Development, Literacy and Special Education
Provost’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Dr. Joby BellHayes School of Music
2024Dr. Will CanuDepartment of Psychology
2023Dr. Maggie SuggDepartment of Geography and Planning
Wayne D. Duncan Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Dr. Cuong MaiDepartment of Philosophy and Religion
2024Carla RamsdellDepartment of Physics and Astronomy
2023Dr. Pablo ChialvoDepartment of Biology
Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Dr. Vicky KlimaHonors College / Department of Mathematical Sciences
2024Dr. Michael KrennDepartment of History
2023Dr. Laura AmmonDepartment of Philosophy and Religion / Watauga Residential College
Staff Excellence Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Bryan BelcherInterprofessional Clinic
2025Carole GreeneBeaver College of Health Sciences
2025Michelle HairBeaver College of Health Sciences
2025Mary Sheryl HorineAppalachian Institute for Health and Wellness
2025Annie JohnsonBusiness Career Services
2024Kimberly AnthonyUniversity Recreation
2024Alan ByrdNew River Light and Power
2024Karen FletcherOffice of Research and Innovation
2024Jessica GuggenheimerBeaver College of Health Sciences
2024Lanie KarstromOffice of Sustainability
2024Emory MaidenInformation Technology Services
2024Diana NelsonCollege of Arts and Sciences Advising and Support Services Hub
2024Dr. Nate WeiglAdmissions
2024Samantha WilliamsDepartment of Computer Information Systems
2023Adam AdcockDepartment of Art
2023Sarah-Davis CagleEnrollment Analytics and Customer Relationship Management Solutions
2023Amy RobertsCampus Services
Student Employee Supervisor of the Year Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Cathy BellStudent Learning Center, Hickory Campus
Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award Past Recipients
YearRecipientDepartment / Affiliation
2025Kaylee GreenePolitical Science–International and Comparative Politics
2025Jaden HatcherMarketing–Digital Marketing
2025Jake JensonPolitical Science–Pre-Professional Legal Studies
2025Margaret-Ann LittauerNursing
2025Kam SmithMarketing
2024Esmeralda “Esme” Hernandez-AlvarezBuilding Sciences
2023Ella BroseGlobal Studies
2023Sharon DonahueNursing