Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) proudly recognized 21 exceptional faculty members from its member institutions at the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner held on April 22. These annual awards celebrate professors who demonstrate a profound dedication to student success and a passion for teaching that inspires their academic communities.
Each of SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities selects one faculty member who embodies excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentorship. Honorees receive a $3,000 professional development grant to support their continued growth as educators and leaders in higher education.
“Faculty are at the heart of student achievement,” said Robert Lloyd, SCICU President and CEO. “We are honored to shine a spotlight on these educators who go above and beyond to prepare and inspire South Carolina’s next generation of leaders.”
2025 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients:
Bottom row, from left:
Mr. Jordan A. Jakubek, Allen University
Mr. Jer Nelsen, Anderson University
Dr. Hong Jiang, Benedict College
Dr. Marc Chetta, Bob Jones University
Mr. Daniel Leach, Charleston Southern University
Dr. Abdullah Khan, Claflin University
Ms. Natalia Schradle, Coker University
Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko, Columbia College
Dr. Timothy Dunn, Columbia International University
Dr. Amanda Mangum, Converse University
Bottom row, from left:
Mr. Jordan A. Jakubek, Allen University
Mr. Jer Nelsen, Anderson University
Dr. Hong Jiang, Benedict College
Dr. Marc Chetta, Bob Jones University
Mr. Daniel Leach, Charleston Southern University
Dr. Abdullah Khan, Claflin University
Ms. Natalia Schradle, Coker University
Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko, Columbia College
Dr. Timothy Dunn, Columbia International University
Dr. Amanda Mangum, Converse University
Top row, from left:
Dr. Matthew Campbell, Erskine College
Dr. Margaret Oakes, Furman University
Dr. Frederick Lux, Limestone University
Dr. Michiko McClary, Morris College
Dr. Lindsy Boateng, Newberry College
Mr. Joshua Styles, North Greenville University
Dr. Kendra Hamilton, Presbyterian College
Dr. Jonathan Sircy, Southern Wesleyan University
Dr. Taylor Brickley, Spartanburg Methodist College
Ms. Alicia Davis, Voorhees University
Dr. Yongfang Zhang, Wofford College
For more information about SCICU and the Excellence in Teaching Awards, visit https://scicu.org.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards are a core part of SCICU’s mission to support and promote the value of independent higher education in South Carolina.
About SCICU
South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. (SCICU) supports and advocates for independent higher education in South Carolina. Representing 21 private colleges and universities, SCICU promotes collaboration, public awareness, and resources that advance academic excellence and student success.
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