91´óÉñ

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 91´óÉñ 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, 91´óÉñ 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 91´óÉñ.
• 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, Ed.D.
• 2023 – Chandra Story, Ph.D. 
• 2022 – Andrew Owusu, Ph.D.
• 2021 – Jennifer Woodard, Ph.D.
• 2020 – Leah Tolbert Lyons, Ph.D.
• 2019 â€” Franklin Michello, Ph.D.
• 2018 â€” Louis L. Woods, Ph.D.
• 2017 â€” Dr. Barbara Turnage
• 2016 â€” Dr. Linda M. Clark 
• 2015 â€” 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.