Indiana State University Announces 2025 Faculty Award Recipients for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Service

Indiana State University has announced the 2025 recipients of its highest faculty honors, recognizing exceptional achievements in teaching, research, service, and community engagement. The awardees, selected from various disciplines, exemplify the university’s mission of academic excellence and dedication to student success.

The honorees will be formally recognized at the annual Faculty Recognition Banquet on Thursday, April 17.

“These awards represent the highest level of peer recognition at Indiana State,” said Provost Christopher Olsen. “Each recipient has made a profound impact on students, the university, and their academic fields through their dedication, creativity, and scholarship.”

President’s Medal for Exemplary Contributions and Dedication

Indiana State’s highest faculty honor, the President’s Medal, is awarded to:

• Dr. Carrie Ball, Chair and Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning
• Dr. Rusty Gonser, Chair and Professor, Department of Biology

“It is a privilege to honor these remarkable faculty members whose contributions to teaching, research, service, and student engagement reflect the highest standards of excellence at Indiana State University. Their passion, leadership, and commitment help shape our institution and prepare our students for success. I am proud of their achievements and grateful for the impact they make every day,” said President Mike Godard.

Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Awards

Recognizing exceptional instruction and student engagement:

• Dr. Lain Mathers, Associate Professor, Multidisciplinary Studies
• Dr. Craig Morehead, Associate Professor, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport
• Dr. Milton Soto-Ferrari, Associate Professor, Marketing and Operations
• Dr. Christine Taylor, Associate Professor, Mathematical Sciences

Theodore Dreiser Distinguished Research and Creativity Awards

Honoring transformative scholarship and creative contributions:

• Dr. Whitney Nesser, Professor, Applied Clinical and Educational Studies
• Dr. Jim Speer, Professor, Earth and Environmental Systems
• Dr. Chris Drew, Associate Professor, English

Faculty Award for Community-Based Learning and Scholarship

• Dr. Yong Joon Park, Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning

Recognized for integrating Korean cultural programming and engagement across educational settings.

Faculty Distinguished Service Awards

Acknowledging sustained service and leadership:

• Dr. Andrea Arrington-Sirois, Associate Professor, History
• Dr. M. Affan Badar, Professor, Applied Engineering and Technology Management

Provost’s Award for Excellence in Academic Assessment

• Master of Public Administration Program, accepted by Dr. Nathan Myers

Honored for excellence in using student learning assessment to drive program improvement.

“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of Indiana State’s faculty,” shared Provost Olsen. “Their impact extends far beyond the classroom or lab. They are shaping the future of higher education and the communities we serve.”

The Faculty Recognition Banquet is a formal occasion to celebrate these accomplishments and highlight the integral role of faculty in advancing Indiana State University.

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