DALLAS – Conference USA announces its CUSA Faculty Achievement Award winners highlighting outstanding faculty members and their dedication to teaching, commitment to their respective fields of study through research and devotion to making a difference through service in their campus communities. 

The awards program was established by the league’s Board of Directors to recognize exceptional contributions in teaching, research and service. Each honoree will automatically become the institutional nominee for the CUSA Professor of the Year, which will be voted on by the institution’s provosts.

The 2026 award recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines, including education, engineering, linguistics, political science, biology, music and public health. Collectively, they have produced influential scholarship, secured significant research funding, earned prestigious national and international honors and engaged broadly as thought leaders in their fields.

2026 CUSA Faculty Achievement Award Honorees

Dr. Nancy Jordan, professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, is a nationally recognized leader in mathematics education whose research has transformed understanding of early numeracy development. Her work has identified the critical role of number sense in student success and led to widely used assessment tools and interventions for at-risk learners. Dr. Jordan’s scholarship includes approximately 21,000 citations and an h-index of 58, along with more than $20 million in funding from organizations including the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Education Sciences. Her work has earned top honors, including recognition as an American Educational Research Association Fellow, Association for Psychological Science Fellow, member of the National Academy of Education and recipient of the Kauffman-Hallahan-Pullin Distinguished Researcher Award. Through decades of scholarship, she has shaped educational practice and policy, influencing how mathematics is taught at foundational levels while mentoring generations of students and researchers.

Dr. Berrin Tansel, Distinguished University Professor in civil and environmental engineering at Florida International University, is a world-renowned environmental engineer, researcher and educator with a distinguished career spanning four decades. Recognized as a highly ranked scholar worldwide (top 0.05 percent), she currently ranks No. 7 worldwide in her specialty for the past five years. Tansel’s pioneering research at Kennedy Space Center on closed-loop water recovery was recognized as a project of national significance for space travel and Earth-based conservation, and her contributions to waste management and nanofiltration extend beyond Florida. She has authored more than 200 scientific papers and six books. Tansel’s work has shaped environmental engineering practice, informed policy decisions, advanced sustainability initiatives and prepared generations of engineers contributing at the highest levels of the profession. Her accolades include being elected as a Diplomate of the Water Resources Engineers, a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, an honor reserved for only about 3 percent of the ASCE membership, and a Fellow of the Environment and Water Resources Institute.

Dr. Rashad Ahmed, associate professor of linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages at Jacksonville State University, is a globally recognized scholar and educator in linguistics and TESOL whose work is at the forefront of language education in the age of artificial intelligence. A recipient of the TESOL International Teacher of the Year Award, he is among the most accomplished English language educators worldwide. His research explores AI in writing instruction, multilingual assessment and global language policy, with more than 15 peer-reviewed publications and international keynote presentations. Dr. Ahmed’s teaching is widely regarded as rigorous, innovative and deeply student-centered, with a strong emphasis on mentorship that guides students toward publication and advanced study. His leadership extends across the profession, including serving as chair of the Applied Linguistics Interest Section of TESOL International and reviewing more than 100 scholarly works. At Jacksonville State, he has earned multiple awards for excellence in teaching, research and service, reflecting a holistic commitment to advancing both his discipline and student success.

Dr. Maia Hallward, professor of Middle East politics in the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development at Kennesaw State University, is an internationally renowned scholar in Middle East policy and conflict management whose work bridges academic research, global engagement and transformative teaching. A prolific author of 10 books, 36 peer-reviewed articles and major edited volumes, her scholarship addresses critical issues in peacebuilding and international conflict, earning global recognition. In the classroom, Dr. Hallward is known for rigorous yet compassionate instruction, integrating innovative pedagogies and leading study abroad programs across multiple regions, including the Middle East and Europe. She is deeply committed to student mentorship, frequently collaborating with students on research and publications. Her leadership extends through service as associate director of her school, director of a doctoral program and editorial roles with leading academic journals. Dr. Hallward’s work not only advances scholarship in her field but also prepares students to engage thoughtfully with complex global challenges, exemplifying excellence across teaching, research and service.

Dr. Kyle Harris, professor of zoology and zoo and wildlife biology in the Department of Biology and Chemistry at Liberty University, is a dynamic biology educator and mentor whose work centers on immersive, field-based learning and undergraduate research. With expertise spanning ecology, zoology, aquatic biology and conservation, he teaches a wide range of courses while fostering a deep commitment in students to understand and steward the natural world. His teaching integrates hands-on research, including projects on campus biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems and international conservation efforts. Dr. Harris has mentored more than 135 undergraduate researchers since 2015, maintaining an open and collaborative lab environment where students contribute to projects presented at regional, national and international conferences. His global engagement includes leading field courses and research expeditions across Central and South America, where he collaborates with international scientists and contributes to biodiversity discovery and conservation. Through personalized mentorship and experiential learning, Dr. Harris equips students with the skills and passion to pursue careers in science while advancing understanding of the living world.

Dr. John C. Matthews, professor of civil engineering and construction engineering technology at Louisiana Tech University, is a nationally recognized leader in civil engineering and trenchless technology whose work has significantly advanced infrastructure innovation and industry practice. As director of the Trenchless Technology Center, he has secured more than $12 million in research funding and authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, addressing critical challenges in pipeline rehabilitation and environmental safety. His groundbreaking research on styrene emissions led to practical industry recommendations and the development of a patented mitigation device. In the classroom, Dr. Matthews emphasizes real-world application, integrating industry experience into teaching to prepare students for professional success. He consistently earns top teaching evaluations while mentoring students through hands-on learning opportunities. His leadership extends across professional organizations and advisory roles, shaping both academic programs and industry standards. Through impactful research, innovative teaching and distinguished service, Dr. Matthews has made lasting contributions to engineering education and practice.

Lalo Dávila, professor of music at Middle Tennessee State University, is an internationally acclaimed percussionist, composer and educator whose 38-year career has left an indelible mark on the performing arts. A prolific creator, he has authored more than 50 compositions and 10 instructional books used in music programs worldwide. His performances span global stages and major entertainment productions, including television, film and video game soundtracks. As an educator, Professor Dávila is renowned for his ability to cultivate talent, mentoring generations of students into successful professional careers. His teaching blends technical mastery with creative expression, fostering both artistic excellence and innovation. His contributions extend beyond the classroom through international performances, workshops and collaborations that elevate the visibility of his institution and the discipline. Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in percussion, Professor Dávila exemplifies excellence in creative activity, teaching and global engagement.

Dr. Paul Durham, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Missouri State University, is an internationally recognized expert in migraine and orofacial pain research. His pioneering work on the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide has helped shape the scientific understanding of migraine mechanisms and contributed to the development of widely used therapies, including insights behind treatments such as Botox and CGRP-targeting drugs. His research has generated more than 7,400 citations, an h-index of 46, more than $18 million in external funding and 18 patents for novel therapeutic approaches. Dr. Durham’s work has also informed FDA-approved treatments and emerging innovations in migraine care. A dedicated educator and mentor, he has guided more than 170 undergraduate and graduate students while teaching courses ranging from general biology to specialized fields such as epigenetics. His excellence in teaching, research and service has earned numerous honors, including the Missouri State Bronze Bear Award, the university’s highest distinction, as well as national recognition from leading scientific organizations.

Dr. Kathryn Hanley, Regents Professor at New Mexico State University, is a globally recognized leader in the study of emerging infectious diseases and arboviruses. With more than two decades at NMSU and prior work at the National Institutes of Health contributing to the development of a dengue vaccine now administered to millions worldwide, her research has had a profound impact on global public health. Her lab leads groundbreaking studies on viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, while advancing understanding of viral evolution, spillover dynamics and antiviral therapies. She also directs large-scale surveillance initiatives, including the Southwest Aedes Research and Mapping project, strengthening public health preparedness across New Mexico. A dedicated educator, Dr. Hanley teaches courses in virology, emerging infectious diseases and science ethics, integrating real-time scientific developments into the classroom. She has mentored dozens of students and early-career scientists, many of whom now hold prominent roles in academia, government and industry.

Dr. Pamela Zelbst, professor in the College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University, is a transformational leader in innovation, teaching and applied research. A two-time SHSU graduate and longtime faculty member, she has spent more than 20 years advancing student success while helping develop key graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Project Management and Supply Chain Management. As founder and director of the Center for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Zelbst has created impactful partnerships with organizations ranging from NASA to local schools, providing students with hands-on opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship and problem-solving. Her initiatives have supported projects from patented devices for soldiers to 3D-printed educational tools while also generating more than $78,000 in scholarships. A prolific scholar, she has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles with more than 4,800 citations and 100,000 downloads worldwide. Her work has earned numerous honors, including Regents’ Professor and SHSU Distinguished Professor recognition.

Dr. Abigail Brausch, professor of psychological sciences at Western Kentucky University, is an internationally recognized leader in suicide prevention research whose work has had a profound impact on both scholarship and practice. She leads a sustained, externally funded research program exceeding $2.1 million and has published extensively, including more than 40 collaborative publications with student co-authors. A dedicated mentor, she has guided more than 30 graduate theses and 10 undergraduate honors theses while securing consistent funding to ensure every graduate student in her lab has been supported for the past six years. Dr. Brausch’s teaching is equally impactful, highlighted by her Psychology of Suicide course, which translates complex research into deeply engaging and meaningful learning experiences while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Beyond the classroom, she demonstrates exceptional leadership and public engagement, co-founding the annual Suicide Research Symposium, which now draws thousands of participants worldwide.