Eight Charleston Faculty Members Honored with Distinguished Awards in 2026

Eight faculty members at the College of Charleston were honored with Distinguished Faculty Awards during the annual Celebration of Faculty on April 23, 2026, recognizing their excellence in teaching, research, and service.

The awards, presented by the Office of the Provost, highlight faculty who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the university’s academic mission. The ceremony took place in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Building, where recipients were celebrated alongside colleagues recognized for emeriti status, tenure and promotion, and other professional milestones.

Awards Recognize Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship

The William V. Moore Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the university, was awarded to Susan Klein, chair of the Department of Studio Art. The award celebrates faculty who embody the teacher-scholar model, integrating impactful research with exceptional classroom instruction.

Klein, described as one of the most accomplished artists at the College of Charleston, has maintained a sustained record of nationally and internationally recognized scholarship in studio art. Her work has been featured in exhibitions, contributing to the university’s reputation in the arts.

Other recipients of the Distinguished Faculty Awards included:

• Kathryn Pedings-Behling
• Mike Giuliano
• Anton Vander Zee
• Mike Duvall
• Kwayera Davis ’05
• Emily Rosko

The ceremony also acknowledged faculty who received emeriti status, tenure and promotion, positive third-year reviews, superior post-tenure reviews, and sabbaticals, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting professional growth across all career stages.

Annual Tradition Highlights Faculty Achievements

The Faculty Awards of Distinction are part of an annual tradition at the College of Charleston, designed to honor educators who have made significant impacts on students and the broader academic community. Nominations for the awards are reviewed by peers, ensuring that recipients are selected based on merit and demonstrated excellence.

The 2026 ceremony underscored the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of academic rigor and innovation. President Andrew T. Hsu, who participated in the event, emphasized the importance of recognizing faculty contributions in shaping the institution’s future.

While the full list of awards and their specific categories was not detailed in the primary source, the event highlighted the diverse achievements of faculty across disciplines, from the arts to the sciences.

Looking Ahead

The College of Charleston continues to prioritize faculty development through initiatives like the Distinguished Faculty Awards, which serve as a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence. The 2026 recipients join a growing list of educators whose work has left a lasting imprint on the institution and its students.

For more information on the awards and past recipients, the College of Charleston’s official communications provide additional context on the selection process and the impact of these honors on the university community.