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It was an afternoon to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their exceptional efforts during Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) annual Fall Recognition Ceremony on Sept. 19. During the event, the college honored six faculty and two staff members for embracing its four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity.

The faculty awards are the result of nominations submitted by GGC students.

Dr. Richard Pennington, professor of chemistry, received the 2023-2024 Outstanding Teaching Award. Pennington is no stranger to this honor, having been recognized in 2012-2013.

“Organic chemistry is one of those subjects that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I struggled with it myself as a student, but my professors made it as enjoyable as possible,” said Pennington, whose father was a chemist. “That’s what I do for my students; make the students comfortable. I want them to understand I’m not a robot standing in front of the class and they’re not a number.”

The key, he said, is to let students know that he’s there for them from day one and that it’s okay to ask questions and for help.

“I had a student last semester who was shy and introverted,” said Pennington. “She told me that she would sit alone in the class and just do her work. Now, she’s in my second semester class and she’ll answer every question I ask and lead discussion groups with her classmates. It’s such a turnaround for her and gratifying for me to see her shine.”

At the end of the second semester class, Pennington asks his students to share what advice they would give to incoming students. That document, which he said he updates every semester, is available for all students to read.

“The advice students give is very thoughtful and helpful to new students in the class,” he said. “They talk about what you should do, and what happens if you don’t do what’s needed to succeed.”

Since joining GGC in 2007, he has received multiple honors including the Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award – 2013-2014, the Technology Association of Georgia Excalibur Award in 2011, and the Blackboard Catalyst Award for innovative Mobile Technology in 2012.

Other award winners included:

Carrie Tatum, a part-time lecturer in psychology in the School of Liberal Arts, received the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award.

Dr. Maryann White, associate professor of Criminal Justice/Criminology in the School of Liberal Arts, received the Outstanding Faculty Mentoring Award.

Dr. Fengjie Sun, professor of biology in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activities Award.

Dr. Cindy Robertson, associate professor of information technology in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Service Award.

Dr. Sairam Tangirala, professor of physics in the School of Science and Technology, received the Outstanding Faculty Student Engagement Award.

During the ceremony, 55 new full-time were recognized.

Two staff members were recognized with Outstanding Staff Awards. Diana Gonzalez, a former student success advisor, and Jessica Manahan, administrative assistant in the School of Liberal Arts.

View and download Fall Recognition Ceremony gallery photos.