MGA Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff At 2026 Honors Convocation

Macon, GA

MGA staff award winners shown with University leaders. See additional photos at MGA's Facebook page.

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) recognized outstanding faculty and staff members during its 2026 Fall Convocation, celebrating individuals whose dedication to teaching, scholarship, service, and campus leadership exemplifies the University’s commitment to excellence.

The Champion Award, presented to a staff member who exemplifies MGA’s core values of Stewardship, Engagement, Adaptability, and Learning, was awarded to Elizabeth Ruff, reference and instruction librarian.

Since joining the MGA Library, Ruff has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success. Through classroom instruction and one-on-one support, she helps students develop research skills, think critically, and apply proper citation practices. She is recognized for her willingness to serve beyond her assigned responsibilities, foster collaboration among colleagues, and create an environment where members of the University community feel valued and supported.

The Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes a staff member whose behind-the-scenes work significantly enhances the University, was presented to Jennifer Jones, senior faculty affairs manager.

Jones has played an essential role in Academic Affairs operations for more than 15 years, providing institutional knowledge and support that benefits departments across the University. Known for her problem-solving abilities, professionalism, and dedication, she has successfully guided the institution through numerous policy and procedural changes while quietly ensuring complex processes operate smoothly.

The Service Excellence Award, honoring a staff member who consistently exceeds expectations in serving the campus community, was awarded to Trish Norwood, public safety operations manager.

Norwood provides critical administrative support for MGA Police and serves as a key resource for students, employees, and visitors across all five campuses. Her commitment to customer service, communication, and collaboration has made her an invaluable member of the University community.

The Excellence in Full-Time Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Lorraine Dubuisson of the Department of English. Known for her student-centered approach, Dubuisson emphasizes a “pedagogy of kindness” while maintaining high academic standards.

The Excellence in Part-Time Teaching Award was awarded to Michael Gillies of the Department of Media, Culture, and the Arts. Gillies incorporates instructional strategies that promote discussion, critical thinking, and hands-on learning in both lecture and studio settings.

Dr. Scott Spangler of the Department of Information Technology received the Excellence in Scholarship Award for his significant contributions to research, grant writing, and academic collaboration. Since joining MGA, Spangler has published and presented more than 30 peer-reviewed works. His research on online learning and cognitive mindfulness has informed instructional practices across the University.

The Excellence in Service Award was presented to Dr. Sharon Colley of the Department of English for her extensive contributions to MGA’s academic community. Colley has played a key role in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and student support initiatives, including her work with the Writing Center.

The Provost’s Award, recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, was presented to Dr. Shane Trayers of the Department of English. Trayers is known for fostering inclusive, engaging classroom environments that support student achievement. Her scholarly work focuses on student well-being and learning, while her extensive service includes leadership roles on numerous University committees and organizations.

Dr. Scott Hinze, associate professor of psychology, was recognized for being chosen as a Governor’s Teaching Fellows May Symposium participant. Hinze has collaborated with researchers at Vanderbilt University to create iTell, a “smart” textbook system.

Dr. Heather Ness-Maddox, assistant professor of psychology and director of MGA’s Honors Program, was recognized for being chosen to participate in the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Academic Year Program. Her area of focus was to redesign her cross-cultural psychology course. In the spring semester, she taught the course with a theme of the cultural psychology of Georgia,

MGA also recognized two University System of Georgia award nominees.

Cory Smith, senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Criminal Justice, was recognized as MGA’s nominee for the USG Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award. Smith is noted for his innovative teaching methods, particularly in online learning environments, and his emphasis on evidence-based instruction and critical thinking.

The Department of Computer Science was recognized as MGA’s nominee for the USG Board of Regents’ Momentum Award for Excellence in Advising and Student Success. The department’s proactive, data-informed approach to advising and mentoring has created a supportive academic environment that prepares students for academic and professional success.

In addition to the faculty and staff awards, MGA recognized employees celebrating milestone years of service to the University.

35 Years

Troy V. Sullivan

25 Years

Jeffrey Bryan
Geoffrey G. Dyer
John G. George
William Christopher Hill
Rosetta Plummer Hudson
Barry J. Monk
Marina Busatto Spears

20 Years

David M. Biek
Lisa Wenger Bro
Gaston A. Brouwer
Karl M. Brown
Javan David Frazier
David P. Fuller
Amanda N. Funches
Brian Pierce Harrell
Sumitra Himangshu
Sheree Nicole Keith
Clay Allen Morton
Sharon Elizabeth Mozley-Standridge
Laurie Clark Walters
Kelly Dee Whiddon
Adam Preston Young

15 Years

Grace Arden Adams-Square
Shane Joseph Allen
Henry Gene Behrends
Deborah Lynn Giddens
Paul Gladden
Cynthia J. Hopper
Josephine Kamera
Myungjae J. Kwak
Gayla Fisher McLeod
Charlotte Lee Miller
Gregory H. Miller
Simone Trixie Allison Phipps
Tricia Ann Purser
April Renfroe-Warren
Neil Jerome Rigole
Christine S. Rigsby
Stephan Otto Steckowski
John Edgar Steigerwald
Robert B. Torres
Andrea Michelle Webb
Dana Hackle Wyatt

10 Years

Jenia M. Bacote
Jasmine Brown
Joanna Brown
Matthew Caverly
Jonathan David Coder
Adam Craig
Shonda Marie Crew
Sara Darsey
Larry T. Dees Jr.
Keisha N. Fields
Corey D. Guyton
Cala M. Johnson
Melissa Anette Jordan
Autumn A. Lucas
Yaci Neal
Thomasa D. Negron
Christian Theodore Norman
Kendra C. Russell
Christopher Smith
Dawn L. Snyder
Scott Spangler
Ashley B. Thompson

5 Years

Tyler Joseph Achatz
Upendra Adhikari
Susan Rhea Asbury
Rachel E. Ashman
Kristen Bailey
Adrian L. Baker
Christy Coody Barlow
Pamela Y. Booker
Luke Allen Buffenmyer
Allison Elizabeth Carr
Yazmin E. Cruz
Michael L. Daniel
David Franklin Duskin III
Natalie Walker Edwards
Mark Edward Ensley
Dena Powell Hanson
Christopher A. Hatcher
John Wesley Hatfield
David A. Jenks
Dorian Johnson
Korinda Johnson
Raymond Christopher Knight
Andrew Lenard
Taylor LoForti
Colby G. Long
Debra Mainor
Roland Murdock
Tracie S. Penny
Kristine Perillo
Patrice Pierce
Markel Reid
Emily Anne Kryjak Riggs
Imelda Salinas
Jo Ann Saxon
Jongho Seol
Omdutt Sharma
Danielle M. Smith
William David Smith
Jane E. Strong
Kiandra Aaliyah Thomas
Nancy M. Wilson
Matthew Donald Wright

August

MGA Honors Outstanding Faculty and Staff At 2026 Honors Convocation