University Awards of Excellence

Tory Candea

Clinical Coordinator, RiteCare Center, Waters College of Health Professions

Student Success Award

Dr. Tory Candea has been serving the students and clients at Georgia Southern University’s RiteCare Center for Communication Disorders since 2019. She has a passion for clinical education and is grateful for the opportunity to share her love for the field of speech-language pathology with future clinicians. 

Loren Mathews, Ph.D.

Senior Lecturer, Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics

Student Success Award

Dr. Ashley “Loren” Mathews is a senior lecturer in the Department of Biology in the College of Science and Mathematics.  She obtained her BS in Marine Science and Biology in 2005 and her MA in Marine Affairs and Policy in 2007 from the University of Miami.  After completing her PhD in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida in 2013, she came to Georgia Southern University first as a visiting faculty and was hired later as a lecturer.  In her eleven years of service, she has taught or mentored over 7,200 biology majors and non-majors across eleven different courses.  She has been involved with student success from the recruitment of new Eagles through their admission, retention, graduation, and ultimately their welcoming back home for alumni engagement events.

Kira Jatoft

Assistant Director for Sustainability and Leadership, Office of Leadership and Community Engagement

Teaching Award

Kira Jatoft, Assistant Director for Sustainability and Leadership at Georgia Southern University’s Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, is a dedicated advocate for leadership development and sustainability. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California, Kira brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice at the University of North Georgia, Kira is deeply committed to advancing higher education and empowering students and staff. As a certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Enneagram facilitator, she leverages her expertise to unlock the potential of individuals and cultivate future leaders. Since joining Georgia Southern University in 2020, Kira has made significant contributions to sustainability programming, leadership education, and the overall campus community.

Salman Siddiqui, Ph.D.

Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Teaching Award

Dr. Salman Siddiqui is a devoted educator who earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University. He joined Georgia Southern as a Visiting Assistant Professor in 2013, transitioning to a Lecturer role the following year, and achieving promotion to Senior Lecturer of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) in 2020. In 2018, his dedication to teaching excellence and impactful influence on student success earned recognition from the First-Year Experience office, where he was honored as an “Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students.” Furthermore, in 2019, he received the esteemed “Teaching Excellence” award from the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. Dr. Siddiqui’s teaching philosophy prioritizes active learning strategies and project-based experiences, ensuring students are prepared for success in their fields from day one. Beyond the classroom, he serves as an advisor for the IEEE Robotics Club, mentoring students in extracurricular activities as part of the professional student organization, and leads the recruitment and outreach activities for the ECE Department. His research interests encompass project-based education, STEM outreach, and the integration of new instructional technology into classroom instruction.

The faculty award for Research recognizes a faculty member for excellence in research and/ or creative scholarly activity.

Bridget Melton, Ed.D.

Professor of Exercise Science, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Waters College of Health Professions

Research Award

Dr. Bridget Melton, EdD, ACSM EP-C, NSCA CSCS, FMS-2, is a distinguished Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Southern University, boasting over two decades of dedicated service to the field. With a focus on promoting physical activity among diverse populations, particularly within tactical contexts, Dr. Melton has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 200 presentations worldwide. Her impact extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her collaborations with local and state-level fire service and law enforcement agencies, aiming to enhance health and wellness outcomes. Notably, she has led groundbreaking initiatives, including a FEMA grant with the University of Kentucky to evaluate embedded providers in fire service and collaborations with esteemed institutions like the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Dr. Melton’s leadership extends to her affiliations with prominent organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education, solidifying her reputation as a leader and influencer in her field.

The Discovery & Innovation award recognizes those individuals that promote creative scholarly activities, technologies and/ or environments that encourage innovative and problem-solving research collaboratives.

Sevki Cesmeci, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Discovery & Innovation Award

Dr. Sevki Cesmeci currently works as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Cesmeci describes himself as both a dedicated researcher and educator. His research has been centered around innovative product and technology development. In this line of research, he served as the sole Principal Investigator for projects funded by the U.S. Department of Air Force, U.S. Department of Energy, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, totaling $1.55M. He published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers at respected venues and won 20 awards as a Faculty Mentor at the college, state, national, and international levels. Dr. Cesmeci’s dedication to scholarship and teaching has earned him the 2022-2023 College of Engineering and Computing Faculty Award for Scholarship and the 2022-2023 Georgia Southern University Award of Excellence: Student Success.

The Inclusive Excellence award recognizes those individuals who generated valuable ideas that have helped to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, programs or services for their team, their department, our University or the external community.

Virginia Wickline, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Inclusive Excellence Award

The Openness & Inclusion award recognizes those who exhibit the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into practical action.

Kip Sorgen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Leadership, Technology & Human Development, College of Education

Openness and Inclusion Award

Dr. Carl H. (Kip) Sorgen is an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership program, specializing in higher education administration. With a focus on preparing individuals for careers in colleges and universities, Dr. Sorgen teaches in both the master’s and doctoral programs at Georgia Southern. Dr. Sorgen’s scholarship centers on supporting LGBTQ+ students in higher education, reflecting his commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments. His administrative experience in higher education includes roles in faculty development, institutional research, LGBTQ+ student services, residence life, and annual giving. Dr. Sorgen earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from Penn State University, a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from New York University, and a Bachelor of Science from Ohio University.  

The Community Engagement award was designed to give recognition to those who display outstanding community engagement in support of the University.

Edward Mondor, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics

Community Engagement Award

Ed Mondor was born and raised in Brandon, MB, Canada. He attended Brandon University, where he received a BSc in Psychology with a minor in Botany (1993). Ed then attended the University of Alberta where he received his MSc in Zoology (1996), working on tachinid parasitoids of the forest tent caterpillar. He received his PhD from Simon Fraser University (2001), studying the evolution of alarm signaling behavior in aphids. He completed postdocs at the University of Calgary and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was employed as a Junior Entomologist at the University of Hawaii, prior to arriving at Georgia Southern University (2006). An Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, he teaches three courses a semester and has almost 40 peer-reviewed publications (including being featured in the Editor’s Choice section of Science Magazine). In addition to his insect behavior, ecology, and evolution research, he is the only practicing Forensic Entomologist in Georgia.

The Collaboration Award recognizes and promotes those who are dedicated to service to their departments, students, faculty, other departments on campus, and/ or the surrounding community through communication, innovation, integrity and inclusion.

Dyana Van Tassell

Administrative Assistant, Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics

Collaboration Award

Dyana Van Tassell is a Georgia Southern Eagle at heart. After attending GSU for school, she has continued to serve our campus for over 20 years. She currently works in the Biology Department as an Administrative Assistant, tackling everything from scheduling, purchasing, events and student and faculty requests. Dyana’s professional goals include mastering ever-evolving new technology and enhancing internal communication systems withing her department. She is loyal and reliable with a true passion for working within higher education.

Barbara King

Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Collaboration Award

Barbara King is a Senior Lecturer and the Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, where she primarily teaches courses on ethics and human rights. Her research interests include youth subcultures as resistance and the Czechoslovak dissident movement between 1968 and 1989. During her time at Georgia Southern, she has served on several department, college, and university committees as well as held the position of Faculty Senate Librarian. Currently, she is a Faculty Fellow in the Office of Institutional Assessment and Accreditation (IAA), helping to prepare the university for reaffirmation of its SACSCOC accreditation. Ms. King has collaborated with many units across campus, including faculty and associate deans from every college, the Office of the Registrar, and IAA to guide curriculum changes while ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. Ms. King also is active in the community as a member of One Boro, a city commission “committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity among the citizens of Statesboro.”  She chairs the Longest Table, a recurring event that brings together over 300 Statesboro and Bulloch County residents to share a meal, form new friendships, and engage in meaningful conversations about their connections to Statesboro and goals for its future.

Corine Ackerson-Jones, M.Ed.

Director TRIO Student Support Services, Office of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development and Inclusive Excellence

Leadership Award

Corine Ackerson-Jones is a former University System of Georgia Executive Leadership Institute Scholar who has served students and collaborated with faculty and staff in multiple capacities for more than 19 years. As a first-generation college student, she understands the difficulties students can face on a college campus and works tirelessly to make sure the transition for incoming GSU students includes the introduction of campus and community resources wrapped in care and compassion. “I came back to school because I know you believe in me and that you care”, said one of her students. Her passion for and commitment to advocacy for underrepresented students has resulted in two very successful student support initiatives at the university. Ackerson-Jones successfully wrote for and received a 1.2-million-dollar TRIO Student Support Services grant which serves and academically supports low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. She currently serves as Director of that program. Most recently she wrote for and received a CCAMPIS grant totaling more than 1.6 million dollars that provides childcare subsidies for low-income student parents to help with the cost of childcare over the next 4 years. Both grants are fully funded by the Department of Education. Very active in the Savannah community, she serves on several Boards of Directors including the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club and the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity.

J. Lowell Mooney, Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Programs/MBA Director/Professor of Accounting, Parker College of Business

Leadership Award

J. Lowell Mooney, PhD, CPA, CGMA, CMA, CFM is Director of Graduate Studies & MBA Director for the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. He is also Professor of Accounting and a former director of the Georgia Southern School of Accountancy. Mooney holds a doctorate degree in accounting with a minor in management information systems from the University of Georgia. He worked for several years in the information systems organization of a major telecommunications firm. Mooney is a member of several professional organizations and has served in various leadership roles. Notably, he served as Chair of the Georgia Society of CPAs, having the distinction of being only the second educator to serve in that role since the organization’s founding in 1905. Mooney’s research interests include performance evaluation systems and emerging academic and professional issues. He has received numerous awards for his teaching, research, and service activities, including the Georgia Society of CPAs Outstanding Accounting Educator award, the Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Advisor award, and the Georgia Southern University Bishop Award for Sustained Excellence.