Faculty Excellence Celebrated During Annual Awards Ceremony at Perimeter College

CLARKSTON, Ga. – During Georgia State University Perimeter College’s Faculty Excellence Awards on Friday, March 6, nine accomplished faculty members were recognized for their excellence in teaching, research and service to the college.

Ken Johnson, associate dean for faculty affairs, attendees to the ceremony, followed by opening remarks from Barbara J. Johnson, dean of Perimeter College.

“Today, we recognize individuals whose commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service has made a lasting impact on our institution and our students,” Barbara J. Johnson said.

“This morning’s celebration certainly gives us the opportunity to shine a deserving light on these dedicated educators who inspire, challenge and shape the minds and career paths of those individuals who turn to Perimeter College for their higher education needs.”

The event was held in the Jim Cherry Learning Resource Center Auditorium on Clarkston Campus. Faculty Awards Committee Chair, Scott Ross, announced each of the following winners who were presented with an award by Dean Johnson.

The 2025-26 award winners are:

• Teaching Excellence Award - Nikita Patterson, Associate Professor of Mathematics
• Faculty Service Excellence Award - Dennise Turner, Assistant Professor of History
• Faculty Professional Development Award - Owen Cantrell, Associate Professor of English
• Outstanding Senior Faculty Award - Andrea DiBenardo, Associate Professor of Spanish
• Outstanding Junior Faculty Award - Charles Stephen, Assistant Professor of Biology
• Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award - William Freret, Part-Time Instructor of Political Science
• Civic Engagement Award - Telmeko Ransom-Talley, Senior Lecturer of Education
• Global Engagement Award - Harumi Kimura, Instructor of Japanese
• Cole Fellow Award (the college’s highest honor) - Nicole Harsch, Associate Professor of Psychology

Photo by Bill Roa