BOONE, N.C. — Each year, Appalachian State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) recognizes several members of the faculty and staff for outstanding service, teaching, and scholarly work. The 2024-25 award nominees and recipients were recognized during a celebratory luncheon held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the Grandview Ballroom at Appalachian's North End Zone Facility at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Dr. Maria Pramaggiore, chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, emceed the ceremony.
See the full lists of award recipients, nominees and committee members below.
Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Outstanding Teachers of the Year Awards
The Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Outstanding Teachers of the Year Awards recognize excellence in teaching. Department of Physics and Astronomy Senior Lecturer Brad Johnson announced the recipient of the Non-Tenure-Track Teacher of the Year Award, and Department of Biology Teaching Assistant Professor Dr. Khadija Fouad announced this year's Academy of Outstanding Teachers inductees and the recipient of the Tenure-Track Teacher of the Year Award.
Dr. William Anderson Jr., professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Dr. William Anderson Jr. was selected for induction into the Academy of Outstanding Teachers.
Dr. Fouad said about Dr. Anderson, “He teaches an introductory course, Water: Mountains to Sea. His enthusiasm for the subject and his ability to break difficult subjects down and relate them to everyday life is so inspiring that most of the graduating geology majors report that it is Professor Anderson who inspired them to major in geology. He also teaches two of the department’s most difficult and quantitatively demanding courses: Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. According to his department chair, 'To have a student say that Dr. Anderson is ‘one of the best professors I've ever had’ in a course where they are constantly challenged — both mathematically and through abstract, conceptual thinking — is truly exceptional. Students frequently commend his ability to simplify complex concepts and his infectious passion for the subject.'”
Dr. Johnnie Lotesta, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology
Dr. Lotesta, who was previously inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Teachers, was honored with the Tenure-Track Teacher of the Year Award.
Fouad shared about Dr. Lotesta, “She teaches courses such as The Sociological Perspective, Political Sociology, Social Movements, and Wealth, Power, and Privilege. Comments from the 14 nomination letters mention her passion for the subject and her skills in helping students understand even difficult subjects. One student said, 'Professor Lotesta embodies the very best qualities of an educator: she shares knowledge with clarity and creativity, fosters curiosity and a love of learning, demonstrates mastery and enthusiasm for her field, and invests wholeheartedly in the intellectual and personal development of her students.' Another noted, 'She consistently prioritized student growth, ensuring that we felt empowered to engage with complex topics thoughtfully and responsibly. She connected with students as a mentor and in engaging them in research projects. Students mentioned the positive impact of her mentorship on their “academic and professional journey.'”
Lynn McNeil, senior lecturer in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
McNeil was selected for induction into the Academy of Outstanding Teachers and was also honored with the Non-Tenure-Track Teacher of the Year Award.
Johnson remarked about McNeil, “This year’s recipient has been a shining example of excellence in international education since she first joined Appalachian in 2008. She is a cornerstone of our international efforts, serving as a key contributor to the Fulbright Excellence and Achievement Program and as a pillar of the French Club. Her engagement with study abroad is unwavering. During her summers, she co-leads students on unforgettable, life-changing journeys, turning the world itself into her classroom. In the classroom, her philosophy is the key to her success. It is both student-centered and proficiency-centered, allowing her to masterfully balance the roles of expert, motivator, and facilitator. She consistently goes above and beyond in her duties to both teaching and service, and for that, we are honoring her today with two of our highest accolades.”
Dr. Elizabeth Perego, assistant professor in the Department of History
Dr. Elizabeth Perego was selected for induction into the Academy of Outstanding Teachers.
Fouad remarked about Dr. Perego, “In courses she teaches, such as Oral History: An Introduction to Methods, Use, and Theory and Revolution and Social Change in World History, she engages students in active learning, including 'in-depth discussions or other participatory activities such as debates or roundtables that challenge them to use primary sources so that they hear directly from past actors to render lessons more vivid.' According to one student, 'Dr. Perego is incredibly knowledgeable about her field, and her passion for the subjects she teaches is contagious. She is chiefly concerned with providing accurate, up–to–date, and personally relevant information to her students. She is respectful in all her interactions with students, speaking to us as autonomous people rather than as children or subordinates...I feel really lucky that I got to take this class with someone like her.'”
Dr. Mary Valante, professor in the Department of History
Dr. Mary Valante was selected for induction into the Academy of Outstanding Teachers.
Fouad said about Dr. Valante, “She teaches World Civilizations and courses on the Middle Ages. She incorporates 'project-based and experiential learning into [her] classes, so that students are 'doing' history.” “For example, in her medieval European history classes, she has students cook medieval recipes and spin yarn using medieval tools.' According to her department chair, 'Students in all the courses were impressed with Mary’s strong knowledge in the content area and her passion for sharing it with them...Dr. Valante is one of the most creative teachers in the department.'”
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Donald W. Sink Family Outstanding Scholar Award
Department of Government and Justice Studies Professor Dr. Nancy Love presented the Donald W. Sink Family Outstanding Scholar Award, which honors a tenured faculty member who has made outstanding scholarly contributions throughout their career.
Dr. Christopher Bartel, professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion
Dr. Love remarked, “Dr. Bartel’s research focuses on the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of technology. Although it emphasizes video games, Bartel also considers artificial intelligence, robotics, and most broadly, virtual reality. He has published two monographs and 26 articles and chapters with prominent presses and high-quality journals. Regarding his articles in philosophy journals, one letter writer notes, 'This is a rare and difficult achievement, as many academic philosophers go through their careers without ever publishing in these journals.'...Bartel combines scholarly rigor with personal narrative, and his work is widely accessible. The committee regarded Bartel’s work as public-facing research of lasting significance, not only for its philosophical insights, but also for its potential real-world impact on public policy and product design. Another letter writer concludes that Dr. Bartel’s research 'will most likely play a key role in the establishment of pressing new ethical questions that humanity will face in this new meta-digital age, and become a guiding force for policymakers and ethical technology development.' Committee members also noted that Dr. Bartel is an excellent public speaker whose work is increasingly recognized with speaking invitations from his peers.”
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Excellence in Engagement Award
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Professor Tom Hansell presented the Excellence in Engagement Award. The award honors a faculty member with outstanding accomplishments in engagement, defined as representing the university to cultivate partnerships and initiatives that address community issues; enhance scholarship, research, and creative activities; support curriculum, teaching, and learning; and contribute to the public good.
Carla Ramsdell, practitioner in residence in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and CAS Sustainability Liaison
Hansell highlighted Ramsdell's many accomplishments in his remarks: “The winner’s work includes a unique, original and – dare we say – engaging mix of science, local food, and community service. Her research, outreach, and coursework are focused on the nexus of food, energy, water, climate change, and equity. Her work has expanded campus and community conversations about the importance of sustainable foodways, helped minimize waste, address food insecurity, and promoted local food sourcing – which is a vital connection between community and campus. She organizes the annual Community FEaST (FEaST stands for Food, Engagement, and Story Telling). This event welcomes students, staff, faculty, and community members to enjoy a simple, local meal while engaging in conversation about sustainable food issues and stories along a 100-yard-long table in Sanford Mall.”
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Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences Professor Dr. Jamie Levine presented the Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award, which honors a faculty member who has demonstrated meaningful and significant service to the college, the university and/or the faculty member's profession.
Dr. Conrad "Ozzie" Ostwalt, professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion
Dr. Levine remarked about Dr. Ostwalt, “The committee was extremely impressed with both the breadth and depth of service Ozzie Ostwalt has undertaken, and we commend his willingness to lend his expertise in areas outside of his discipline. Ozzie served as the university honors coordinator for five years, the chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion for 10 years, the interim director of the Appalachian Studies program for one year, and just last year stepped in as acting chair for the Sustainable Development Department. Outside of the University, Ozzie has been involved in leadership opportunities within his academic discipline, including acting as vice-president and president of the North Carolina Religious Studies Association, treasurer of the Appalachian Studies Association, and, most notably, a four-year term as the executive director for the Southeastern Commission for the Study of Religion.”
Levine went on to recognize Ostwalt for his service as the host and producer of the television show “Religion in Life,” which has aired on AppTV since 2015. “Religion in Life” has won both international awards and national awards, including twice winning the Wilbur Award, which recognizes excellence in communicating religious issues, values, and themes in public media.
A member of the selection committee summarized Ostwalt's service, writing, “Ozzie’s service brings to life in different ways his many skills in the classroom and in his own research. His ability to weave a powerful narrative that draws people in, to identify and ask the important questions that lend a different point of view, and to demonstrate respect for varied experiences and practices is truly powerful, and those skills translate into the many settings where he has served.”
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Outstanding Staff Award
CAS Dean's Office University Program Specialist Mary Beth Crass presented the Outstanding Staff Award, which honors two staff members whose dedication to students and faculty, passion for service, and outstanding work consistently surpass expectations.
Jennifer McGuinn, laboratory supervisor in the Department of Biology
Crass shared about McGuinn, “Jen quietly and consistently makes a difference for both undergraduate and graduate students. Her colleagues describe her as someone who approaches every situation with clarity, compassion, and calm. Whether helping a first-year student find their footing or supporting a graduate student navigating the final steps of their program, Jen brings patience and understanding to every conversation. Those who work with her say she doesn’t look for quick fixes; she listens carefully and offers thoughtful, lasting solutions. Her steady presence helps students feel seen and valued, and her influence extends well beyond her own department. Jen builds trust, models integrity, and contributes to a culture of care that strengthens our entire college.”
Shane Miller, administrative support specialist in the Department of Computer Science
Crass shared about Miller, “Shane has been called the steady heartbeat of the Department of Computer Science. He keeps operations running flawlessly while creating a welcoming, positive atmosphere for everyone who walks through the door. He truly serves as a cornerstone of his department. One nominator noted that Shane’s warmth and energy make the office a bright and inviting place, where everyone feels respected and supported. His professionalism, attention to detail, and community-minded spirit have earned him the admiration of his colleagues across campus. Shane, thank you for the energy, thoughtfulness, and community spirit you bring to your work each day. Your work reflects the best of who we are: dedicated, welcoming, and proud to serve.”
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Richard N. Henson Outstanding Advisor Award
Dr. Pramaggiore presented the Richard N. Henson Outstanding Advisor Award, which honors a faculty advisor who demonstrates appropriate advising techniques, responsiveness to student questions and concerns, and thorough knowledge of policies and procedures.
Dr. Emily Lutenski, professor and gender, women's, and sexuality studies program director in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Pramaggiore said about Dr. Lutenski, “Advising in GWS is not simply a matter of helping students choose classes or stay on track — though Dr. Lutenski does all of that with meticulous care. The emails she composes to justify a curricular exception are a litigator’s dream. But what truly sets her apart is the way she does the work of accompanying students on their journeys to discover who they are, what they value, and how they want to move through the world. This is brave work in these times. Her students will tell you that she never rushes them, even when her calendar suggests she should. They’ll also tell you that she is relentless about making sure they get exactly what they need to not just to graduate on time but to live their best lives. She advises with care and clarity. She understands that our students carry their full selves with them into her office — bringing their ambitions, their anxieties, their hopes, their fresh tattoos — and she embraces all of it with patience and profound respect while holding them accountable.”
An advisee remarked, “Dr. Lutenski is a godsend for every single one of her students. Nobody else puts in the time and effort to make sense of the nightmare that is degreeworks. Dr. Lutenski does it with a refreshing amount of honesty and humor. Having her as my advisor, editor, and professor has, without a doubt, been the highlight of my academic career.”
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Student Success Award
CAS Associate Dean Dr. Donna Lillian presented the Student Success Award, which recognizes departments, programs, or units that collectively exceed expectations in providing opportunities for student success and well-being and in fostering student career readiness.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Lillian shared about the department, “Observing that being 'calculus eligible' was not necessarily the same as being 'calculus ready,' the team designed a system for supporting student learning and guiding students through a pathway that provides support for student success prior to and during their calculus classes. The department's nominator noted that 'The leadership of this team has impacted not only our own department but broader initiatives and conversations at the state level and beyond...Their involvement has informed student success initiatives across K-12 and higher education sectors.' The leadership team [Trina Palmer, Tracey Howell, Katie Mawhinney, Greg Rhoads, Lisa Maggiore, Eric Marland, and Amber Mellon] has inspired faculty buy-in across the department, supporting student success for students of a broad array of majors.”
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William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
Department of History Associate Professor Dr. Allison Fredette presented the William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award, which honors one assistant professor who has demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in research, scholarship and contributions to their academic field.
Dr. Roshani Silwal, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Fredette remarked, “Dr. Silwal has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy since 2021, and she has been a remarkably prolific scholar in that time. In her first two years at App State, she had four peer-reviewed articles either accepted or in progress, including a publication in the journal Nature. She has published four articles this year alone. Her nominator applauded Dr. Silwal’s research productivity, noting that she has 'established a robust research program that not only advances scientific knowledge but also actively involves students.' Dr. Silwal’s work focuses on ion trapping and atomic spectroscopy of highly charged ions using electron beam ion traps. She has also developed a proof-of-principle spectroscopic method to measure the nuclear radius of heavy isotopes, work which earned her an NSF grant in 2023. This grant reflects the larger work she has done to earn funding outside of Appalachian State — an impressive amount totaling $450,000. Much of this funding has been used to support student research and travel. She is a dedicated teacher and mentor. She is the co-advisor of the Physics and Astronomy Club and the advisor for the South Asian Student Association. In her time at App State, she has mentored 14 undergraduate and four graduate students, and she received the Graduate Research Assistant Mentoring Award.”
L-R: Dr. Roshani Silwal, Dr. Mary Valante, Carla Ramsdell, Dr. Emily Lutenski, Lynn McNeil, Jennifer McGuinn, Shane Miller, Dr. Ozzie Ostwalt, Dr. Katie Mawhinney, Dr. Tracie Salinas, Dr. Johnnie Lotesta, Dr. William Anderson Jr., and Dr. Christopher Bartel at the CAS Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Award Nominees
Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Teachers of the Year Awards
Dr. William Anderson Jr. (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Ruth Carmi (Sociology)
Dr. Pablo Chialvo (Biology)
Dr. Kinji Ito (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Dr. Johnnie Lotesta (Sociology)
Dr. Emily Lutenski (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Lynn McNeil (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Jenny Morris (History)
Dr. Elizabeth Perego (History)
Dr. Chris Quattro (Geography and Planning)
Dr. Matthew Ruble (Philosophy and Religion)
Dr. Christopher Stone (History)
Dr. Mary Valante (History)
Donald W. Sink Family Outstanding Scholar Award
Dr. Irina Barclay (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Dr. Christopher Bartel (Philosophy and Religion)
Dr. Benito del Pliego (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Dr. Mark Nunes (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. David Russell (Sociology)
Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Excellence in Engagement Award
Dr. Eric Marland (Mathematical Sciences)
Carla Ramsdell (Physics and Astronomy)
Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Dr. Xiaofei Tu (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award
Dr. Sarah Carmichael (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Ozzie Ostwalt (Philosophy and Religion)
Outstanding Staff Award
Renee Gamble (History)
Jennifer McGuinn (Biology)
Shane Miller (Computer Science)
Jeff Porter (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Gloria Rhoney (Biology)
Scott Thomas (Physics and Astronomy)
Cindy Trivette (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
Shelley Wainscott-Wallin (Geography and Planning)
Natalie Wilson (College Advising and Support Services Hub)
Richard N. Henson Outstanding Advisor Award
Dr. Philip Ardoin (Government and Justice Studies)
Dr. Jefferson Bates (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Dr. Reagan Breitenstein (Psychology)
Dr. Brooke Burrows (Psychology)
Dr. Sarah Carmichael (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Jennifer Cecile (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Dr. Anna Cremaldi (Philosophy and Religion)
Dr. Amy Dellinger Page (Sociology)
Dr. Sophia Dent (Anthropology)
Dr. Jeanne Dubino (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. Carl Eby (English)
Dr. Matt Estep (Biology)
Dr. Khadija Fouad (Biology)
Dr. Robert Freeland (Sociology)
Dr. Jennifer Geib (Biology)
Dr. Brooke Hester (Physics and Astronomy)
Dr. William Hicks (Government and Justice Studies)
Dr. Mark Hills (Computer Science)
Dr. Susan Lappan (Anthropology)
Dr. Jamie Levine (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Emily Lutenski (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. Clark Maddux (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. Scott Marshall (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Jessica Martell (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Jenny Morris (History)
Lynn Mosteller (Psychology)
Dr. Howard Neufeld (Biology)
Dr. Adam Newmark (Government and Justice Studies)
Dr. Nii Okine (Mathematical Sciences)
Dr. Trina Palmer (Mathematical Sciences)
Dr. Andrew Polonsky (Computer Science)
Mark Powell (English)
Dr. Michael Reddish (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Dr. Kathleen Schroeder (Geography and Planning)
Dr. Nicholas Shaw (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Dr. Melissa Stone (English)
Dr. Maggie Sugg (Geography and Planning)
Dr. Brett Taubman (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Dr. Jill Thomley (Mathematical Sciences)
Dr. Zackary Vernon (English)
Dr. Noah Williams (Mathematical Sciences)
Dr. Katie Wolsiefer (Psychology)
Dr. Alice Wright (Anthropology)
Student Success Award
Criminal Justice Program
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Veterinary Technology Program
William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
Dr. Ashley Adams (Biology)
Dr. Anton Kananovich (Physics and Astronomy)
Dr. Kelly Renwick (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. Roshani Silwal (Physics and Astronomy)
Selection Committee Members
Katie Adams (English)
Dr. Nancy Asen (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Melissa Auten (Career Development Center)
Dr. Jacob Babb (English)
Dr. Ellen Cowan (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Mary Beth Crass (College of Arts and Sciences)
Dr. Jeanne Dubino (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. Khadija Fouad (Biology)
Dr. Allison Fredette (History)
Dr. Sandie Gravett (Philosophy and Religion)
Tom Hansell (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Amy Hudnall (History)
Dr. Tim Huelsman (Psychology)
Brad Johnson (Physics and Astronomy)
Dr. Jamie Levine (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Donna Lillian (College of Arts and Sciences)
Dr. Cynthia Liutkus (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Dr. Nancy Love (Government and Justice Studies)
Lauri Miller (Geological and Environmental Sciences)
Sarah Novak (Government and Justice Studies)
Dr. Ozzie Ostwalt (Philosophy and Religion)
Dr. Randall Reed (Philosophy and Religion)
Dr. Curtis Ryan (Government and Justice Studies)
Jennifer Serling (Rural Resilience and Innovation)
Dr. Song Shu (Geography and Planning)
Dr. Bob Swarthout (Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences)
Dr. Doug Waring (Psychology)
Dr. Matthew Wright (Sociology)
During the luncheon, the four recipients of 2025 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Appalachian State University School/College Awards were also recognized:
Alana Baird, senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Jamie Levine, professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Dr. Katie Mawhinney, Cain Distinguished Professor in Science Education in the Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Clare Scott Chialvo, assistant professor in the Department of Biology
CAS congratulates all of the award nominees and recipients and thanks the committee members for their service. To learn more about the CAS Faculty and Staff Awards, visit cas.appstate.edu/faculty-staff/awards.
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About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
November 21, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
L-R: Department of Mathematical Sciences chair Dr. Tracie Salinas and faculty members Dr. Eric Marland, Dr. Katie Mawhinney, and Gregory Rhoads pose with CAS Interim Associate Dean Dr. Cathy Marcum after accepting the CAS Student Success Award at the CAS Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
L-R: Department of Mathematical Sciences chair Dr. Tracie Salinas and faculty members Dr. Eric Marland, Dr. Katie Mawhinney, and Gregory Rhoads pose with CAS Interim Associate Dean Dr. Cathy Marcum after accepting the CAS Student Success Award at the CAS Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Photo by Kyla Willoughby