Current Award Winners

The Office of the Provost takes great pride in celebrating faculty and staff excellence at the University of South Carolina. Spanning diverse disciplines and boasting impressive resumes of accomplishments, the 2025 awardees exemplify a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, flourishing research and transformative teaching in our university community.

USC Columbia Teaching Awards

Zachary Winkelmann, Arnold School of Public Health

Zachary Winkelmann is a clinical assistant professor in the department of Exercise Science for the Arnold School of Public Health and is entering his sixth year of service at USC. As both a professor and post-professional athletic clinical education coordinator, Winkelmann instructs his students using a patient-centered approach with an emphasis in simulation-based learning in order to allow every student that leaves the program with a patient encounter on the same topic they have studied within the classroom before they enter the field of practice. By integrating practical, hands-on experiences into the curriculum. Winkelmann strives to make the classroom a supportive and collaborative learning environment with experiential learning as a core component to every course. He is respected and valued by the graduate and undergraduate students he mentors, as well as the administrators, faculty, staff, and peers that encounter his innovative work.

Megan Robinson Tran, College of Pharmacy

Megan Robinson Tran is a clinical assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy. Having received her Doctor of Pharmacy from USC in 2009, Tran returned to the university in 2020 as a professor after working in a full-time clinical practice, and uses student feedback to guide her teaching methods. She understands that each course contains students who excel with different instruction techniques or study methods, but that all learners should leave the course with a strong grasp of whole-patient care, problem analysis, and risk mitigation. With student and faculty feedback, Tran has made a positive impact on both her students and their learning outcomes with engaging instructional methods and supplemental material that allows both active and reflective learners opportunities to explore the course material in independent and collaborative ways. As the current chair of the Curriculum Committee, Tran serves an important role in guiding the development of curriculum in the College of Pharmacy.

Greg Carbone, College of Arts and Sciences

Greg Carbone is a professor in the department of Geography. Carbone, noted for his research in meteorology and climate science, is celebrated for his dynamic and innovative teaching methods. Known for his enthusiasm and creativity in the classroom, Carbone is constantly updating his course material to reflect the latest scientific developments and incorporating real-time weather data into his course. The course that Carbone teaches most often is GEOG 202: Weather and Climate. While some would view this class as a chore, Carbone approaches it with joy. He loves introducing students to the world of meteorology and climate. Similarly, while some may settle into a routine of teaching the same course over and over, Carbone is constantly innovating and improving the course. He is always designing new assignments and lab activities, updating the material with the latest science, and incorporating current happenings into nearly every lecture. It is not uncommon to find him pulling new forecasts and satellite images before class so that he can use the weather of the moment to reinforce the fundamentals covered in the course. Carbone recognizes that to teach well, we must try new methods and adapt to our changing students.

Julie Hubbert, School of Music

Julie Hubbert is a professor in the School of Music, having started her professional career as a professor and music and media historian at USC. Hubbert previously received the Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2006 and was also recognized in 2013 with the Cantey Faculty Award. She identified a gap in support for graduate students, working in through a unique perspective to problem solve for the college to address the missing support. Hubbert has advised dozens of graduate students and her dedication to mentoring has guided numerous students to prestigious post-graduate programs and international fellowships. Her commitment to developing graduate teaching assistants has equipped them with essential skills for academic careers. Testimonials from students and colleagues highlight Hubbert's ability to make complex subjects accessible and engaging, her supportive teaching style, and her significant influence on their academic and professional growth.

Brett Sherman, College of Arts and Sciences

Brett Sherman is an associate professor in Philosophy. Sherman’s teaching is characterized by his ability to make complex philosophical concepts accessible and engaging. He creates a supportive and interactive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and making mistakes. His innovative tactics, such as using music and creative projects, foster a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among students. Sherman's impact extends beyond the classroom, as he inspires students to pursue deeper philosophical inquiries and supports their academic growth through mentorship. His dedication to student-centered learning and his ability to connect with students on a personal level make his teaching truly transformative.

Amy Taylor-Perry, College of Arts and Sciences

Amy Taylor-Perry is a senior instructor in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, having received her Ph.D. from USC in 2012 and has remained with the department since. Her teaching is characterized by her exceptional ability to make complex chemistry concepts accessible and engaging. Her innovative methods, such as using real-life applications and interactive demonstrations, foster a deep understanding and enthusiasm for the subject among students. Her dedication to student success is evident through her extensive support of student learning, including personalized feedback and additional review sessions. Taylor-Perry's impact is profound, as reflected in her numerous teaching awards and glowing student testimonials. She not only imparts knowledge but also inspires and motivates students, significantly enhancing their academic journeys and fostering a lasting appreciation for science.

Nikolaos Vitzilaios, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Nikolaos (Niko) Vitzilaios is an associate professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering. Vitzilaios approaches teaching with an innovative, inclusive, and student-centered approach that creates engaging learning environments that cater to diverse student needs, incorporating problem-based learning to foster critical thinking and self-efficacy. His courses, such as Mechatronics and Robotics, are highly rated and in-demand, reflecting his ability to make complex subjects accessible and exciting. His dedication to continuous professional development ensures his teaching methods remain cutting-edge. Vitzilaios' impactful mentorship and career counseling have significantly influenced students' academic and professional journeys, earning him recognition like the Career Influencer Award. His commitment to excellence profoundly enhances student learning and satisfaction.

Brett Robertson, College of Information and Communication

Brett Robertson is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Robertson’s teaching is distinguished by his dynamic, student-centered approach that transforms theoretical concepts into practical tools for real-world application. His innovative methods, such as high-stakes simulations and community partnerships, provide students with hands-on experiences that enhance their learning and prepare them for professional challenges. His commitment to accessibility, through the use of open educational resources, ensures that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. His mentorship and personalized support foster strong relationships, empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. Consistently outstanding student evaluations across a broad range of courses at every level and numerous teaching awards highlight the profound impact of Robertson's teaching.

USC Columbia Research Awards

Leah McClimans, College of Arts and Sciences

Leah McClimans is a professor in the department of Philosophy and co-director of the Ann Johnson institute for Science, Technology & Society. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on the incorporation of patient perspectives into evidence-based assessments of medical practice, bringing together technical knowledge of clinical study design and psychometric theory and practice alongside moral theory and bioethics in both analytic and continental traditions. McClimans can identify gaps in the way health outcomes researchers think about ethics of patient-reported measurement, arguing for a form of humility for researchers that is critical to inoculation against misunderstanding patients and their experiences. Her work is critical in validating patient-reported measurement as a tool for patient empowerment in medical decision making, centering patients as the primary experts and considering family members, clinicians, and other stakeholders into a holistic conversation that is having a tremendous impact on medical ethics and the foundations of clinical measurement.

Jeffrey Twiss, College of Arts and Sciences

Jeff Twiss is a professor in the department of Biological Sciences. As department chair and associate dean for research and graduate studies, he is a respected voice of leadership within the university and nationwide, with his lab important contributions to the field of neural regeneration and repair. His work as co-director for the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research Center has promoted collaboration across campus and the state to move autism research forward, improving the lives of people with neurodevelopment disorders. Twiss has served as an impactful mentor to over thirty pre- and postdoctoral fellows, promoting other scholars towards equally innovative and collaborative efforts and producing high impact research in their respective fields. He is an outstanding researcher, leader, and mentor.

Franklin Wayne Outten, College of Arts and Sciences

Wayne Outten is a professor in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, with an intensive research program in the fields of metallobiochemistry and microbiology that has received over $4.1 million in research funding from major institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) since joining the university in 2005. He is a leading authority in iron homeostasis and iron-sulfur (FE-S) cluster biogenesis, publishing in high-impact journals and receiving invitations to present his research at leading academic institutions and international conferences. Outten's exceptional scholarship is complimented by his exemplary contributions to USC through service and leadership, such as currently finishing a two-year term as chair of the USC Faculty Senate.

Brie Turner-McGrievy, Arnold School of Public Health

Brie Turner-McGrievy is a professor in the department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and has been with USC for 13 years. Turner-McGrievy is committed to the creation of culturally appropriate dietary interventions for communities that improve health outcomes, particularly among African American adults. With her expertise in both nutrition and mobile health interventions, her work addresses the limitations of current time, labor intensive, and costly interventions by demonstrating that technology-based delivery methods can be used for behavioral interventions that are both highly scalable and delieverable at a low cost. Turner-McGrievy is equally committed to her students, serving as a mentor to postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, master’s students, and undergraduate students in addition to her research. She is an exceptional researcher and mentor.

David Kirkland Garner, School of Music

David Kirkland Garner is an associate professor in the School of Music and is also a composer, performer, producer, and researcher. Garner’s work seeks to make time and history audible, particularly through an exploration of archival recordings documenting the musical traditions of the U.S. South. His work has been performed by world-renowned ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, bringing classical music to the modern audience with a fresh and inquisitive approach to his craft and interdisciplinary collaborations. Garner has been with the university since 2016, teaching courses in composition and theory that range from more traditional to specialized topics.

Hengtao Tang, College of Education

Hengtao Tang is an associate professor in the College of Education and program coordinator of the Learning Design and Technologies program. Tang’s research is distinguished by its innovative application of self-regulated learning (SRL) theory and advanced learning analytics to enhance online education and STEM-integrative learning environments, especially as related to underrepresented minority (URM) students. His projects, funded by prestigious grants from the NSF and Department of Education, address critical issues such as equity in STEM education and AI literacy. Tang has been published in prestigious journals and has significantly advanced understanding of learner persistence, motivation, and collaborative problem-solving with his publications extensively cited, only further reflecting its impact within the academic community and field.

USC Columbia Other Awards

Sarah Patneaude, Arnold School of Public Health

Sarah Patneaude is an instructor and academic advisor in the Arnold School of Public Health and has been at USC since 2017, beginning as a first-year academic advisor, and continues to pour into first-year students as a University 101 instructor. Patneaude takes a collaborative approach to the advising process, empowering students to take ownership of their time at USC and making progress towards their degree. Whether it is a first-year or transfer student, Patneaude feels it is essential in her role as an advisor and University 101 instructor to help students get engaged on campus and in the community. She prioritizes professional development, co-leading “advising roundtable” discussions for fellow advisors on best practices and pursuing certifications to better support special populations on campus, all with the goal of being an advocate for her students. Patneaude is invested in the individual goals and success of each student and her genuine support and advocacy has earned her the trust of those she advises.

Alexa Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Alexa Dean is an academic advisor in the School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment and has been working for USC since 2021. Dean is a proud graduate of the university, having earned a degree in Marine Science and credits her shared experience in the school as a keystone to her approach as an advisor. As a student who once sat in the same classes and advising appointments, it is Dean’s goal to give each student the individual guidance needed to achieve their specific academic and professional goals. In addition to building strong relationships with the students she serves, Dean is also a resource to staff, students, faculty, and administrators alike when solving issues or navigating complexities of curriculum, requirements, and coursework. She models the mentorship that has led her to a successful career in advisement by creating a program for Junior and Senior SEOE students to participate in a mentor program that pairs them with a first-year student. It is Dean’s holistic understanding and commitment to the student experience that drives her unique approach to intervention and impact for the Gamecock community.

Ed Madden, College of Arts and Sciences

Ed Madden is professor in the English department. His teaching has been characterized by the integration with his own public service work, especially as it relates to his primary fields of expertise – Irish studies, creative writing, and LGBTQ studies. Madden’s addition of service-learning components and community engagement within his courses encourages students to develop their own projects, which can be seen around Columbia as well as campus. Madden has been widely published, exploring multiple genres including poetry, scholarly and creative essays, books, and more. Madden’s teaching extends far beyond the classroom, having a prominent role in the local arts community through his work as Columbia’s inaugural poet laureate, serving two consecutive terms from 2015-2022 and leading a variety of impactful public art projects as well as numerous writing workshops to middle and high school students in collaboration with local schools, libraries, and literary organizations. Madden's work, both scholarly and artistic, engages major themes and broader social issues, reflecting his commitment to scholarship that has real-world impact. Celebrated for his excellence in teaching, Madden is known for creating an inclusive and stimulating learning environment. His courses are highly regarded for their rigorous intellectual content and innovative pedagogical approaches. His ability to connect with students and inspire them to think critically and creatively is evident in the positive feedback he receives. He integrates his research into his teaching, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and fostering a dynamic classroom experience.

Susan Richardson, College of Arts and Sciences

Susan D. Richarson is the Williams Distinguished Professor of Environmental Chemistry for the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her research focuses on disinfection by-products (DBPs) and emerging environmental contaminants in drinking water. With over 213 publications, Richardson has secured over $13.5 million in research funding, demonstrating her ability to lead and sustain high-impact research projects. Her research has not only identified new classes of DBPs but it has also developed advanced analytical methods, which have significant implications for public health and environmental safety. Highly regarded for her engaging and effective teaching methods, Richardson is recognized for her ability to incorporate real-world examples from her extensive research into her lectures. Richardson's mentorship extends beyond the classroom, as she has guided the work of numerous students, many of whom have won prestigious awards and gone on to successful careers in academia and industry.

Brian Habing, College of Arts and Sciences

Brian Habing is an associate professor in Statistics and the director of Data Science and Data Analytics. Habing has served with distinction in every major leadership position within his academic department and has been at USC since 1998, modeling exemplary service to the department, college, university, and fields of study at large. His contributions to his profession include work with the National Council on Measurement in Education as well as service on multiple editorial boards and extramural funding review panels, and currently services as a senior research fellow and associate director for educational activities and research at the National Institute of Statistical Sciences, emphasizing the community’s high regard for Habing's insight and professional leadership.

Comprehensive Universities and Palmetto College Awards

Robert McCormick, USC Upstate

McCormick's research is distinguished by its depth and scholarly rigor, focusing on significant historical themes and events. He has published on topics such as early 20th century reform in Macedonia, genocide in Croatia during World War II, 19th century German music, and a controversy concerning evolution among Presbyterians in 19th century South Carolina. McCormick teaches a wide range of modern continental European history courses where he is celebrated for his excellence in teaching, known for creating an engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment. His courses are highly regarded for their rigorous content and innovative pedagogical approaches. His ability to connect with students and inspire them to think critically and analytically is evident in the positive feedback he receives. He integrates his research into his teaching, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and fostering a dynamic classroom experience. His mentorship extends beyond the classroom, guiding students in their academic and professional development, and many of his students have gone on to successful careers in history and related fields. McCormick's service to the university and the broader community is exemplary. He has held numerous USC Upstate leadership roles, and his outreach activities, including public lectures, community engagement projects, and media contributions, demonstrate his dedication to making a positive impact beyond academia.

Bettie Obi Johnson, USC Lancaster

Bettie Obi Johnson is a professor of chemistry at USC Lancaster whose service work spans all four areas: campus, system, community and profession. She has chaired the Palmetto College Campus Faculty Senate faculty welfare committee, sponsored the USC Lancaster Chemistry Club, and served on various committees, including the Tenure and Promotion Committee, Athletics Advisory Committee, and Native American Studies Committee. Her mentorship has guided many students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Johnson’s community involvement includes her role as an Upward Bound instructor and her participation in Community Career Day at local elementary schools, where she inspires young minds with engaging experiments. Her professional contributions as a session judge, moderator, and peer reviewer for esteemed journals further highlight her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Susan Cruise, USC Lancaster

Susan Cruise is an associate professor of sociology at USC Lancaster with a demonstrated record of outstanding scholarship. Cruise's dedication to teaching is evident in the diverse range of courses she offers, from Introductory Sociology to specialized topics like the Sociology of Culture in Eastern Europe. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful classroom environment allows students to engage in meaningful discussions and broaden their worldviews. In May 2022, Cruise, along with Angela Neal, led a transformative study abroad trip to Eastern Europe. They not only provided an enriching educational experience but also demonstrated a profound commitment to service by raising nearly $20,000 to ensure all students could participate and bringing donations for war-displaced refugees. Cruise’s teaching philosophy emphasizes mutual respect and the importance of a safe, non-threatening atmosphere where students feel valued and open to learning from varied perspectives. Her approach has undoubtedly shaped the minds and hearts of her students, preparing them to be thoughtful and empathetic global citizens.

F. Evan Nooe, USC Lancaster

Evan Nooe is an assistant professor of history at USC Lancaster and historian for the Native American Studies Center at USCL. Nooe’s outstanding scholarship spans a wide range of topics, including Native American history, settler violence, and the commercialization of history in modern tourism. His recent book, Aggression and Sufferings: Settler Violence, Native Resistance, and the Coalescence of the Old South, has been recognized with the prestigious Anne B. and James B. McMillan Prize. Nooe's peer-reviewed articles, such as “‘It’s in the Blood:’ Settler Family Memories of Native Violence in the American South” and “Making Florida History at Disney Springs: Florida’s Past as Themed Tourism,” further demonstrate his dedication to advancing historical scholarship. In addition to his published works, Nooe has received numerous grants, including the Research and Productive Scholarship mini-Grant and the Research Initiative for Summer Engagement Grant, which support his ongoing research endeavors.

Office of the Provost