All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team announced

All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team announced

Two representatives from each school honored on annual teams

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team on Tuesday, with two representatives each from all 10 member schools being recognized by the league.
 
While the selections were left up to each institution’s discretion, the recipients all shared the common characteristics of demonstrated service to the institution and contributions to campus life and the local community. Faculty members selected have demonstrated strong contributions to teaching, research and/or service, while staff members are being recognized for bringing out the best in others and creating conditions for success.

"These outstanding faculty and staff members exemplify the excellence and commitment that define the Southern Conference. Their dedication to mentorship, teaching, leadership and service, their contributions to their institutions, and their positive impact on students and communities make them truly deserving of this recognition,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “We are proud to celebrate each of these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and help make each SoCon campus a special and exceptional place."
 
The recipients will be recognized at one of their institutions’ home men’s basketball games this year.
 
The 2025-26 selections are:
 
Dr. Len Annetta, The Citadel (faculty)
Dr. Len Annetta is the Dean of the Zucker Family School of Education and also serves as the Zucker Chair of Entrepreneurial Educational Leadership at The Citadel.  Dr. Annetta focused on the untapped analyses of learning science through various distance delivery strategies. In 2008, Dr. Annetta was honored with three awards for his extension work teaching K-12 teachers and students video game design for science and mathematics learning. The awards were progressive; starting with the College of Education Outstanding Extension Service Award to the induction into the NC State University Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension and finally, the Distinguished Alumni Engaged in Extension and Outreach Award. In 2022, Dr. Annetta was the recipient of the Association of Science Teacher Education National Mentor of the Year Award.  He is a strong supporter of Citadel Athletics and our student athletes. Dr. Annetta can often be seen at practices and games, engaging with students, supporters, and coaches alike. His consistent presence demonstrates his genuine investment in the student-athletes’ experiences both on and off the field. He makes himself accessible to students outside typical working hours, fostering strong relationships and providing mentorship beyond the classroom environment.
 
Erin Leonard, The Citadel (staff)
Coach Erin Leonard has been an integral part of the Commandant’s Office in her role as the Director of Physical Readiness, working closely with our Strength and Conditioning Coaches as well as the dining facility staff to ensure our student-athletes receive adequate calories and proper nutrition.  She coordinates alternate PT tests, height/weight measurements, and consistently accommodates NCAA athletes around their practice schedules—always putting the needs of our cadets first.  She leads a group of Athletic Officers and mentors them to improve our Physical Training to all cadets and has improved our physical fitness scores.  She also played a major role in planning and implementing PT during athletic and regular cadre.  Coach Leonard exemplifies the core values we strive to instill in our cadets here at The Citadel. She not only sets the standard but also actively mentors and guides our cadets—molding them into not only better students but also better citizens.  We are proud to recognize her outstanding service and dedication.
 
The Citadel’s recognition game date: Jan. 29 vs. VMI
 
Dr. Scott Jenkinson, ETSU (faculty)
Dr. Jenkinson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education and Educational Foundations in Clemmer College of Education and Human Development. He also serves as a Faculty Fellow for Community-Engaged Learning with the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Office for Community Engagement. Dr. Jenkinson has been featured on the Provost’s “Why I teach” podcast, served as a faculty mentor on alternative break trips, and directed an autoethnography project for the ETSU Global Year: Scotland leadership team and faculty seminar participants. He has published in the field of teaching and has presented locally, regionally, and nationally on best practices for instruction. He has been described as the ‘czar’ of the Foundations for the Profession of Teaching course, where he is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging class setting.  His students, aspiring teachers, note his ability to motivate them and to help prepare them for what they will encounter in the classroom. Dr. Jenkinson’s passion is excellence in teaching and sharing what he knows with the broader community; he has this passion because he cares deeply about the learning success of our students.
 
Chuck Patton, ETSU (staff)
Mr. Patton, the Executive Aide in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences, has made a lasting and measurable impact on the lives of ETSU students while serving the institution with exceptional dedication and leadership.  Under his leadership, Bucky’s Food Pantry has addressed food insecurity, and he has expanded the pantry’s reach to include coat drives, menstrual product distribution, and referrals to community resources for housing, transportation, and financial counseling.  Within his department, he has played an instrumental role in accreditation processes, site visits, and major administrative initiatives. As a veteran and member of the Veterans Affairs Standing Committee, he has helped coordinate the university’s Veterans Day Ceremony.  After the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Chuck organized the collection and delivery of supplies to affected communities.  Students describe him as “the most selfless person I know” and someone who “goes above and beyond to ensure we have the resources we need to succeed.”  International students, in particular, note how his guidance during their application and transition made ETSU a welcoming place to learn and grow.
 
ETSU’s recognition game: Feb. 11 vs. Chattanooga
 
Dr. Tim Patrick, Furman (faculty)
Dr. Brian Timothy Patrick (Tim) has over three decades of experience at Furman University. A 1985 alumnus, he returned to his alma mater in 1992 to join the Health Sciences department as a professor. Dr. Patrick holds a B.S. degree in Biology from Furman University and earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He and his wife, Julie, have three adult children, Brynn, John, and Lauren. Throughout his 33-year tenure, Dr. Patrick has taught a range of undergraduate courses, specializing in anatomy & physiology and cardiovascular physiology. He has also taught graduate courses in research methods and human anatomy & physiology. His research interests have focused on cardiovascular responses to resistance exercise, resistance exercise and post-exercise metabolism, and work economy during cycling. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Patrick enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing reflecting his passion for physical fitness and the natural world.

Maya Russell, Furman (staff)
Maya Russell serves as the Pre-Law Advisor in the Office of Pre-Professional Advising at Furman University. She serves as the advisor to Furman’s Pre-Law Society and as Co-President of Quaternion Senior Order. Additionally, Maya is Chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council. Maya received her JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law, MA from the University of Montana, and BA from New York University. Prior to joining Furman, Maya served as an attorney for the United States District Court for the Districts of Wyoming and South Carolina. Maya is licensed to practice law in Washington State, Colorado, and Wyoming. She met her husband, Brook Russell (a statistician at Clemson University), in her hometown of Perth, Western Australia. Outside of work, she enjoys watching her children play volleyball and basketball.

Furman’s recognition game: Feb. 1 vs. Chattanooga
 
Natalia H. Cardelino, Ph.D., Mercer (faculty)
Dr. Natalia Cardelino is an Associate Professor at Mercer University’s School of Engineering (MUSE). She earned her PhD in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an MEng and BS in Civil Engineering from Cornell University.  Before obtaining her PhD, she worked as a consulting engineer for 17 years, first at Arup in their London, NY and Boston offices; and most recently at Uzun + Case Engineers in Atlanta. Since 2021, Dr. Cardelino has led the Mercer on Mission trip to the Dominican Republic. During her six trips to the El Cercado region, she and 65 Mercer students have constructed aqueduct systems to rural communities providing access to drinking water to over 700 families. She has gained teaching experience through both instructional training and lecturing and uses her past work experiences to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In 2022, she received both the MUSE Clayton R. Paul Teaching Excellence Award and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Southeastern Section Outstanding New Teacher Award. She is passionate about engineering education and remains active in ASEE, where she served as president of the southeastern section from 2024 – 2025. Her research interests include producing sustainable concrete mixes by replacing a portion of energy-intensive portland cement with limestone powder, zeolite, or biochar. Outside of her academic responsibilities, Dr. Cardelino enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.

 
John T. Steele, Mercer (staff)
John T. Steele serves as Supervisor of Campus Services for the Mercer University Physical Plant and has worked at Mercer for 26 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership in May of 2023. Among his many contributions, he helps coordinate moving material within the campus and event setups. His attitude, knowledge, and skills have afforded him the distinction of receiving the Mercer Spirit Award twice (2005 and 2018). The Mercer Spirit Award is a community-based recognition that reaffirms Mercer’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction and recognizes employees who exhibit exceptional behaviors of caring, respect and the building of the Mercer community. John is married to the former Terri Lynn Newham of Nahunta, Georgia, who is also employed at Mercer University an Executive Director of University Advancement and Special Events. John Steele is a worthy recipient of the 2025-2026 All-Southern Conference Staff Award for Mercer University.

Mercer’s recognition game: Dec. 2 vs. Georgia State

 
Dr. Janet Boseovski, UNCG (faculty)
Janet Boseovski is a Professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her research focuses on social and cognitive development and her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health. Recently, she published a book with co-author Dr. Ashleigh Gallagher titled, “Beyond Body Positive: A Mother’s Science-Based Guide for Helping Girls Build a Healthy Body Image.” Janet is Associate Editor of the journal Social Development and a Board Member of the Jean Piaget Society and the Greensboro Science Center. She created the long-running community event, “Crafts & Conversation,” in which she, along with colleagues Jessica Caporaso, Stuart Marcovitch, and a team of wonderful graduate and undergraduate students, provides fun, free, educational crafts for children at LeBauer Park. Janet enjoys writing and speaking about developmental science for the public, with appearances on numerous national podcasts and news outlets.
 
Jessica Quattrucci, UNCG (staff)
Jessica is an academic advisor in the Bryan Undergraduate Student Services Office at UNC Greensboro. In addition to advising, she coordinates the Bryan School SOAR program, NAV1GATE’s Bryan School Welcome, and the BUS 115 and BUS 216 advising presentations. She also leads assessment initiatives for the office. With over 15 years of experience as an advisor and lecturer, Jessica has focused her career on supporting first-year students through orientation, transition programs, and student success initiatives. She has taught a range of courses that help students navigate the transition to college and believes that a strong start is essential to student well-being and long-term success. Jessica holds a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education from UNCG and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Guilford College. She is passionate about student development and committed to helping all students achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and cats.

UNCG’s recognition game: Feb. 4 vs. Western Carolina
 
Dr. Niya Pickett Miller, Samford (faculty)
Dr. Niya Pickett Miller teaches communication studies courses in the Department of Communication and Media at Samford University. Her research focuses on visual and rhetorical criticism of identity in popular culture and media. She has published journal articles, book chapters, and books in this area, and has received honors for her research, including the 2019 Top Faculty Paper award from the Alabama Communication Association and the 2021 AACD Top Paper award from the National Communication Association. Professor Miller is a past president of the Alabama Communication Association and a member of both the National Communication Association and the Southern States Communication Association. She was a 2019 TEDx Birmingham speaker, the 2022 keynote speaker at the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) national conference, and a 2023 keynote speaker at the International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation national conference.  She holds a PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi, an MS from Troy University, and both a BA and MA from the University of Alabama.
 
Cindy Kennington, Samford (staff)
Cindy Kennington has been a dedicated member of the Samford University community since 2004. She began her journey at Samford as a Secretary/Program Coordinator for the *Samford in Mission* initiative, a grant-funded program supported by the Lilly Foundation. In 2010, she transitioned into her current role as Administrative Assistant and Building Coordinator for the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, located in Propst Hall. Before joining Samford, Cindy worked in the Investments Department Trading Floor at Compass Bank, where she developed a strong foundation in administrative and financial operations. Her commitment to excellence and service has been recognized throughout her career. In 2016, she was nominated for the prestigious Nunnelley Award , and in 2025, she was honored as the Outstanding Staff Member by the Howard College of Arts and Sciences. Cindy is known across campus for her warmth, organizational talent, and enthusiasm for community building. She enjoys planning and hosting events, cooking, engaging in arts and crafts, traveling—especially to beach destinations—and spending quality time with her family and friends. A proud supporter of Samford athletics, she can often be found cheering on the Bulldogs. Cindy has been married to her husband, Jay Kennington, for 34 years. Together, they have three sons and one daughter-in-law: Davis, the eldest (Caroline), and twins John and Jarred. She is a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, where she continues to live out her values of faith and service.

Samford’s recognition game: Feb. 7 vs. Mercer
 
Dr. Betsy Myers, Chattanooga (faculty)
Dr. Betsy Myers, PT, DHS joined the UTC physical therapy faculty in 2015. In addition to teaching, she engages students in three impactful community activities. She was instrumental to the creation of the UTC Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic, a unique hands-on learning environment for physical therapy (PT) students. To date, the clinic has had over 1500 visits, directly benefiting UTC students, faculty, and staff while providing invaluable educational experiences that prepare PT students for professional practice. Dr. Myers is the captain of the medical tent at Ironman Chattanooga. Each year she invites PT students to volunteer and provides advanced training so that students are well prepared for this dynamic environment. Additionally, Dr. Myers is a core volunteer for Sports, Arts, and Recreation of Chattanooga (SPARC) – a group dedicated to creating competitive and recreational opportunities for adaptive athletes. While the group hosts a variety of adaptive sporting events, by far the most anticipated is adaptive ski week at Beech Mountain, NC. Dr. Myers and the PT students provide essential volunteer support such as assisting folks through the snow, helping with equipment modifications, and serving as guides on the slopes. Dr. Myers’ leadership to include PT students while engaging in community service such as these has enhanced student learning, supported their understanding of the PT profession’s core value of social responsibility, and helped them reconnect with their core motivation for entering the profession. Dr. Myers’ pickleball research directly benefits students and the local community through hands-on engagement. Her most recent student research project, a semester-long fall prevention training program for senior athletes, resulted in reduced falls, improved strength, and increased confidence. To date, Dr. Myers has authored or coauthored two physical therapy textbooks and eight articles related to sports physical therapy. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, she holds numerous specialty certifications, and continues to work part-time in an outpatient orthpaedic PT clinic. Dr. Myers received the Danny Smith Outstanding Service Award from the American Physical Therapy Association of Tennessee. Her current projects include functional performance testing in athletes and preparing for a cycling century.
 
Brandalyn Shropshire, Chattanooga (staff)
Brandalyn Shropshire is a visionary higher education leader and storyteller dedicated to helping students see possibility in their own potential. With more than 18 years of experience at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she currently serves as Associate Director of Admissions, where she leads recruitment initiatives that expand access, build community partnerships, and inspire a culture of belonging. Her innovative programs such as Road2UTC and Summer Bridge, have created early college pathways for countless students across the region. A proud two-time alumna of UTC, Brandalyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing, completed in Spring 2025. Her leadership and impact have been recognized with the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Service, a testament to her commitment to both students and colleagues. Rooted in her belief that laughter, faith, and purpose can coexist, Brandalyn brings warmth and authenticity to every space she enters. Whether mentoring students, speaking at conferences, or collaborating across campus, she remains devoted to empowering others to find joy and confidence in their own stories. 

Chattanooga’s recognition game: Jan. 21 vs. ETSU 
 
COL Jeff Smith, VMI (faculty)
Jeff Smith is the General Edwin Cox ’20 Institute Professorship in Economics and History and the Department Head for the Department of Economics and Business at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He served for 21 years on Active Duty in the United States Air Force before joining VMI.
 
MAJ Isaac Slone, VMI (staff)
With over 13 years of dedicated service at Virginia Military Institute, Major Isaac Slone has held various key roles, including Echo Company TAC Officer, Head Coach of the Rock Climbing Team, and Director of both indoor and outdoor training facilities. His broad experience at VMI has equipped him with a unique perspective on leadership, team development, and operations management. A proud native of Roanoke, Virginia, Major Slone earned his undergraduate degree from Ferrum College and an M.B.A. from Salem University in West Virginia. His commitment to both the academic and extracurricular development of cadets aligns with his passion for mentorship, physical training, and fostering resilience.

VMI’s recognition game: Jan. 17 vs. The Citadel
 
Dr. Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege, Western Carolina (faculty)
Dr. Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Western Carolina University. She has been a member of the WCU faculty since 2017. Originally from Sri Lanka, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya, followed by her Ph.D. and postdoctoral training at Oklahoma State University. She is best described as a dedicated and inspiring educator whose passion for teaching, research and mentorship enriches the Western Carolina University community. Dr. Hikkaduwa Koralege teaches undergraduate courses in general chemistry and advanced-level courses in physical chemistry. She is actively engaged with undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory-based research and training. Her research focuses on the development and application of engineered nanoscale materials as versatile tools in biomedicine particularly in biomedical imaging and targeted delivery of therapeutics as well as in the petroleum industry. Dr. Hikkaduwa Koralege’s commitment to teaching, advancing scientific discovery, fostering undergraduate and graduate research, and promoting STEM education within the broader community reflects a deep dedication to excellence, innovation, and service.
 
Suzanne Melton, Western Carolina (staff)
Suzanne Melton has served Western Carolina University for over ten years and currently holds the positions of Research Programs Coordinator within the Office of Research Administration and Program Director for the Catalyst: Summer Research and Leadership Program. She provides strategic coordination of research programming across campus, supporting faculty, staff, and students through the administration of internal funding opportunities and the management of research-related logistics, and plays a central role in advancing research excellence at WCU by organizing programs and opportunities that enhance research competencies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Suzanne also leads the planning and execution of the university’s annual Research and Scholarship Conference, a cornerstone event that showcases the breadth and impact of scholarly work across disciplines.  In addition to her administrative leadership, Suzanne serves as Undergraduate Research Coordinator, working closely with students to facilitate meaningful engagement in hands-on research and scholarly activities. Her commitment to student development is further reflected through the Catalyst program, which emphasizes the intersection of undergraduate research and leadership. This program is designed to bridge the gap between first-year honors students and the academic research community, cultivating the next generation of scholars and leaders.

 
Western Carolina’s recognition game: Jan. 24 vs. VMI
 
Dr. Stacey Hettes, Wofford (faculty)
Dr. Stacey Hettes is Professor of Biology and serves as Faculty Ombuds, a role she was instrumental in establishing during her tenure as Wofford’s first Associate Provost for Faculty Development from 2014 to 2020.  As associate provost, she was privileged to work with faculty members from across the SoCon, co-led by Dr. Bill Kwochka of Western Carolina University, to build SoCon’s Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), now in its tenth year. Hettes’ sense of vocation is deeply embedded in undergraduate education. Upon returning to the classroom full-time, she began work on her most ambitious teaching project to date: a memoir, Dispatches from the Couch: A Neuroscientist and Her Therapist Conspire to Reboot Her Brain, published by Loyola University’s Apprentice House Press in May 2025.  She hopes it will become a widely used resource for training the next generation of trauma-informed psychologists.  
 
Mark Olencki, Wofford (staff)
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Mark Olencki ’75 has captured the stories of millions of moments in Wofford College history. A student photographer in the early 1970s, his photographs in the Bohemian student yearbook are some of the only photos of that era. After graduation, he did printmaking and worked in photography before opening Olencki Graphics where he extended his photography services to include graphic design and other creative projects. He has designed dozens of books for the Hub City Writers Project, and his photographs have been included in art exhibits and permanent collections across the region. Olencki joined the staff in Wofford’s Office of Marketing and Communications fulltime as photographer and digital imaging manager in 2008. Since then, he has captured events large and small, from Commencement and Homecoming to students studying on the lawn of Main Building. While athletics is not his primary responsibility, he’s nevertheless a fixture on the sidelines of athletics events and he spends hours photographing student athletes in the studio for promotional shoots. From championships to huddles, headshots to incredible action images, Mark Olencki is always there.

 
Wofford’s recognition game: Jan. 7 vs. UNCG