The John Pleas Faculty Award

Excellence in teaching, research, and service is at the heart of the John Pleas Faculty Award. It is presented annually to a faculty member at MTSU who best embodies the respect for diversity as described in the university’s Community Standards and Values. This prestigious award honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the academic journeys of underserved and at-risk students. The recognition ceremony takes place during African American History Month.

The John Pleas Faculty Award was established in 1997 to honor Dr. John Pleas, MTSU Professor Emeritus of Psychology.  Dr. Pleas was the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1999 and is the author of Walking, published in 1981 by W.W. Norton & Company.  

Eligibility Criteria:

• Service Duration: Nominees must have completed at least five years of service at MTSU.
• Supporting Letters: Three letters supporting the nomination that address the nominee’s excellence in teaching, research, and service and the nominee’s positive impact on underserved and/or at-risk students’ academic journeys.
• CV and Cover Letter: A current CV that documents excellence in teaching, research, and service and a cover letter are required.

Selection Process:

The award recipient is chosen by the John Pleas Award Committee, which includes previous awardees and retired faculty members.

Previous Recipients

• 2025 – Carmelita Dotson, Ph.D.
• 2023 – Chandra Story, Ph.D. 
• 2022 – Andrew Owusu, Ph.D.
• 2021 – Jennifer Woodard, Ph.D.
• 2020 – Leah Tolbert Lyons, Ph.D.
• 2019 — Franklin Michello, Ph.D.
• 2018 — Louis L. Woods, Ph.D.
• 2017 — Dr. Barbara Turnage
• 2016 — Dr. Linda M. Clark 
• 2015 — Michaele F. Chappell, Ph.D.
• 2014 — Sekou Franklin, Ph.D.  
• 2013 — Newtona Johnson, Ph.D.
• 2012 — Cheryl Slaughter Ellis, Ph.D.
• 2011 — Raphael Bundage, D.M.A.
• 2010 — Dwight Patterson, Ph.D.
• 2009 — Adonijah Bakari, Ph.D.
• 2008 — Marva S. Lucas, Ed.D.
• 2007 — Connie Jones-Wade, Ed.D.
• 2006 — Rosemary Wade Owens, Ed.D.
• 2005 — Patricia Patterson, Ph.D.
• 2004 — Anantha Babbili, Ph.D.
• 2003 — Bertha Smith Clark, Ph.D.
• 2002 — Alphonse Carter, Ph.D.
• 2001 — Sharon Shaw-McEwen, Ed.D.
• 2000 — Gloria Bonner, Ed.D.
• 1999 — Laura Jarmon, Ph.D.
• 1998 — Bichaka Fayissa, Ph.D.
• 1997 — Robert Rucker, M.S.W.