KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 30, 2025

Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences professor Roxanne Donovan has received the University Distinguished Professor Award, the highest honor given annually to Kennesaw State University faculty.

A licensed psychologist who holds joint appointments in the Department of Psychological Science and the Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Donovan was selected for demonstrating sustained excellence and distinction in teaching, research and creative activity, and professional service. She has logged more than 17 years of service in various roles since arriving at Kennesaw State in August 2007.  

Last week, Donovan was joined by 10 faculty members who were recognized by the institution for outstanding contributions at the annual Faculty Awards ceremony.

“Our honorees are not only passionate educators but also innovative and driven researchers, tireless in their commitment to service and the KSU community,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “They represent an incredible breadth, depth, and diversity of talent and boast national and international recognition for their leadership and innovation in teaching, scholarship, and creative activity. Congratulations to Dr. Donovan and each of our 2025 award recipients.”

The awards process is managed by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Outstanding faculty members are nominated by their deans and reviewed by representatives from every degree-granting college at KSU. The Kennesaw State University Foundation underwrites the ceremony and provides the monetary gift that accompanies each award.

Other winners included:

Outstanding Early Career Faculty

• Mahmoud Asmar, assistant professor of physics, College of Science and Mathematics
• Kristin Horan, associate professor of psychology, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Outstanding Part-Time Teaching Award

• Carlos Pérez, part-time assistant professor of sequential art, Robert S. Geer Family College of the Art

Outstanding Professional Service and Community Engagement Award

• Tanja Link, professor of criminal justice, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award

• May Gao, professor of communication, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Outstanding Scholarship and Creative Activity Award

• Andrea Knowlton, associate professor of dance, Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts
• Eric Stachura, associate professor of mathematics, College of Science and Mathematics

Outstanding Online Teaching Award

• Dabae Lee, associate professor of instructional technology, Clarice C. and Leland H. Bagwell College of Education

Outstanding Teaching Award

• Stephen Bartlett, principal lecturer of world history, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Ayse Tekes, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

The event also celebrated a recent system-wide accolade. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has honored Kennesaw State University’s geography and geospatial sciences programs with the Teaching Excellence Award for Department or Program.

Housed within the Department of Geography and Anthropology in the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the programs were recognized for their interdisciplinary approach to learning. The programs integrate research, technology, and hands-on experiences to prepare students for emerging challenges in their fields. This award adds to the programs’ accolades, which include the 2021 American Association of Geographers’ Award for Bachelor Program Excellence.

The Board of Regents award is designed to showcase an outstanding department or program that promotes, supports, and recognizes excellence in teaching and innovative approaches to serving students. A special committee composed of faculty and administrators from across the USG who are experienced in teaching and learning practices reviews the nomination portfolios and recommends finalists for each award.

 

– Story by Travis Highfield

Photos by Judith Pishnery

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.