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(Clockwise, from top left) PSC President Ed Meadows toasts the 2025 inductees; Outstanding New Faculty Member Stacey Stewart receives her award from Dr. Blaine Wall; Pensacola State College’s 2025 Academy of Teaching Excellence inductees. Front row – Dr. Marisa Mills, Dr. Rameca Leary, Stacey Stewart and Sandy Moore. Second row – Board of Trustees Chairperson Gordon “Flash” Sprague, Robert Thead, Ron Atchison and PSC President Ed Meadows; Board of Trustees Chair Gordon “Flash” Sprague congratulates the inductees on their academic excellence.
Six Pensacola State faculty members were honored on April 3 with induction into the College’s prestigious Academy of Teaching Excellence during a celebratory dinner held in the Molly McGuire Culinary Dining Room.
The evening’s four-course dinner was prepared and served by students in the Molly McGuire School of Culinary Arts under the leadership of Chef Jimmie Langham, a PSC alumnus who will retire at the end of the semester after 16 years of service to Pensacola State College.
Dr. Blaine Wall, Professor of English and Communications, opened the ceremony and presented the inductees with their awards.
“It was a tremendous and unexpected honor to take part in an evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of six outstanding PSC educators,” Wall said.
This year, five faculty members were inducted into the Academy, and one early-career educator was honored as the Outstanding New Faculty Member—a recognition of both promise and excellence in teaching. The 2025 honorees are:
- Ron Atchison, Instructor of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Rameca Leary, Adjunct Faculty in Business
- Marisa Mills, Assistant Professor of English and Communications
- Sandy Moore, Instructor of Nursing
- Stacey Stewart, Outstanding New Faculty Member
- Robert Thead, Instructor of Humanities and Social Sciences
President Ed Meadows offered a toast to the honorees, and District Board of Trustees Chairperson Gordon “Flash” Sprague congratulated them on their significant academic contributions to the College.
The Teaching Excellence Awards recognize faculty who demonstrate excellence in four key areas:
- Enthusiasm for and knowledge of subject matter
- Effective student rapport and relationships
- Strong course content and organization
- Effective and innovative instructional methods
Founded in 1986 by then-Executive Vice President Dr. Charles Atwell, the Academy of Teaching Excellence was established to honor faculty who exemplify the highest standards of teaching. In 1994, the College began recognizing an Outstanding New Faculty Member each year. To date, more than 200 exceptional educators have joined this distinguished group.
This recognition is especially meaningful because nominations come directly from students, the individuals most deeply impacted by these educators’ work. It is a powerful testament to the transformative relationships forged in PSC classrooms.
This year’s Outstanding New Faculty Member, Stacey Stewart, has served as the clinical coordinator for the Radiology Program since January 2022.
“Honestly, the news of this award still shocks me,” Stewart shared. “It’s a humbling surprise because it underscores the idea that a student, busy with their own studies and lives, took the time and effort to nominate me. That act alone speaks volumes and makes me incredibly proud.”
She added, “This award isn’t just a recognition of my work; it’s a testament to the power of connection with students and the supportive environment fostered by my peers.”
Pensacola State College has long been home to a faculty of dedicated, passionate and innovative educators. This year’s honorees represent the very best of that tradition. Their commitment to student success, creativity in the classroom, and unwavering dedication to the art of teaching continue to shape the PSC experience in meaningful and lasting ways.