The Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional teaching and a sustained record of innovation that enhances student learning. Presented annually by the Center for Teaching Excellence, the award celebrates educators who create engaging, student-centered learning environments and advance the quality of teaching at USC.
Six faculty members were honored as the 2025 Garnet Apple Award winners during Oktoberbest: A Symposium on Teaching on Friday, October 17. The celebration featured opening remarks from Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, who commended the awardees for their creativity, commitment, and impact on student learning.
This year’s honorees are Sahar Aghasafari (USC Lancaster), Kate Bernheisel (College of Nursing), Christina Cox (College of Pharmacy), Meena Khalili (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences), Vanessa Kitzie (College of Information and Communications), and Eilea Knotts (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences).
Each award recipient was recognized through a tribute video highlighting their teaching approaches and impact on students. The videos below highlight each recipient’s innovative approaches to teaching:
- Sahar Aghasafari, Assistant Professor, Art and Graphic Design
- Kate Bernheisel, Assistant Professor, Advanced Professional Nursing Practice
- Christina Cox, Associate Professor, Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences
- Meena Khalili, Associate Professor, Visual Art & Design
- Vanessa Kitzie, Associate Professor, Information Science
- Eilea Knotts, Instructional Faculty/Lab Coordinator, Biological Sciences
Oktoberbest provided an ideal setting for the recognition, bringing educators together from across the university and state of South Carolina to share ideas and celebrate teaching excellence. The Garnet Apple Award continues to honor those who go beyond traditional approaches to implement evidence-based strategies that foster innovation in teaching and elevate the student learning experience.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Garnet Apple Awards. Members of the university community are encouraged to nominate educators who exemplify innovation and a commitment to student success. Nominations are due by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.