UT Southern faculty honored at State of Academic Affairs and Student Experiences Address
PULASKI, Tenn. – Three University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) faculty members were recognized Wednesday, Aug. 12, during the university’s annual State of Academic Affairs and Student Experiences Address. Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Prentice Chandler, Ph.D., praised the honorees for exemplifying UT Southern’s commitment to excellence, impact and student success.
“These awards reflect the very best of what we value at UT Southern: excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship and service and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom,” Chandler said. “Paul Cockson, Stanton Belford and Claire Paul each represent those values in distinct and important ways. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for the impact they continue to have on our students, our university and the communities we serve.”
Three bi-annual awards were presented during the address:
Rising Faculty Award: Paul Cockson, assistant professor of biology
This award recognizes a full-time faculty member, whether tenure-track or non-tenure-track, in the first five years of building a strong record of teaching, scholarship, or creative activity and service, who demonstrates exceptional promise and momentum. Cockson combines student-centered research with experiential learning, including research on Dionaea muscipula (Venus fly traps), giving students opportunities to apply classroom concepts through hands-on scientific research.
External Impact Award: Stanton Belford, associate professor of biology
This award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose work advances UT Southern’s external presence through community partnership, public-facing impact and regional or professional engagement. Notably, Belford leads coral reef monitoring and conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago that bring together research, education and community outreach while engaging students in efforts to address environmental challenges.
Fred E. Ford Exemplary Educator Award: Claire Paul, assistant professor and special education program coordinator
This award recognizes a UT Southern full-time faculty member whose teaching demonstrates sustained excellence, student engagement and meaningful contribution to student learning and success during the academic year. Paul consistently supports UT Southern’s Teacher Education and Grow Your Own programs, helping prepare future educators and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.
The recognition of Cockson, Belford and Paul highlights the breadth of contributions made by UT Southern faculty through teaching, scholarship, service and engagement. Their accomplishments reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success and the meaningful impact of faculty work across the university.
About the University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, UT Southern offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.
Media Contact
Kyley Wolf, kwolf@utsouthern.edu
931-424-2015 ext. 3078