The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie celebrated a milestone in faculty excellence on Friday, May 8, as Dr. Wei-Kai Lai, Professor of Mathematics, was officially recognized as a recipient of the 2026 Carolina Trustees Professorship Award. The presentation, held during the annual Spring Commencement Dinner, honored Dr. Lai’s career-long dedication to teaching, scholarly research, and impactful community outreach.
The Carolina Trustees Professorship is a prestigious system-wide honor, with winners selected from across the entire University of South Carolina system. The award was presented on behalf of the University’s Board of Trustees, acknowledging Dr. Lai’s exceptional performance across all facets of academic life. Along with a commemorative framed certificate, Dr. Lai received a $2,000 stipend in recognition of his status as a tenured full professor who embodies the university's highest standards of professional service.
"Dr. Lai is a cornerstone of our academic community, and this recognition from the Board of Trustees is a testament to the profound impact he has made throughout his tenure," said April Cone, Dean of USC Salkehatchie. "Whether he is inspiring students in the classroom or contributing to research, Dr. Lai consistently demonstrates the excellence and dedication that define our institution. We are incredibly proud to see his hard work and passion for education celebrated at the system level."
Dr. Lai, a faculty member within the Division of Math, Sciences, and Professional Studies, has built an extensive legacy of institutional and system-wide achievement. His latest honor adds to an impressive portfolio of previous awards, including:
- Distinguished Research Service Award (2026)
- Chris Plyler Excellence in Service Award (2021)
- Denise Shaw Excellence in Research Award (2018)
- John J. Duffy Excellence in Teaching Award (2013)
- USC Salkehatchie Professor of the Year (2012)
- USC Salkehatchie Faculty Organization Award in Service (2021, 2016)
For more information about USC Salkehatchie and its faculty achievements, visit uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu.