Skip to content
USI campus to reopen, classes resume, January 28

Change is never easy, and we know this is a challenging time as you navigate recent announcements affecting programs and operations at Oakland City University. We want you to know that your educational journey doesn’t have to pause.

At the University of Southern Indiana, we are fully committed to helping you transition seamlessly so you can stay on track with your education journey. We’ve designed this dedicated page specifically for you to explore our programs, access resources, learn about credit transfers and continue your education with minimal interruption.

>> OCU Student Information

Last updated:

Award Recipients

2025 Faculty & Staff Excellence Awards

Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Alex Champagne, Associate Professor of Biology

Excellence in Scholarship

Dr. Rex Strange, Associate Professor of Biology

Excellence in Service

Dr. Alyssa Weatherholt, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Sport

Excellence in Advising

Dr. Chase Smith, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Sport

Staff Excellence

Ms. Terah Hoskins, Senior Administrative Associate

The faculty members chosen to receive these awards have gone above and beyond the call of educator and have succeeded in excelling expectations. These selected have been gone through a selection process by their respected committees and were sought to be the best of the best and deserve to be represented as such.

2025 Research Award Winners

SEERGA Award
  • Dr. Brian Kiessling - Validity & Reliability of A Self-Report Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Sleep Questionnaire in College Students
  • Dr. Timothy Mattison – Do Students Trust Information More from Humans or Artificial Intelligence? An Experiment on Undergraduate Students in the Midwest

  • Dr. Elise Murray – Examining the Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Pre-Service Teachers in Integrating Assistive Technology

Innovation Award
  • Dr. Alex Champagne – Promoting student success and sense of belonging in science by lowering barriers to attendance at a local scientific meeting

  • Dr. Allison GrabertUSI Explore High School Summer Series

Barnett Award
  • Allie Parker, Kinesiology & Sport (Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian Kiessling) - Effects of a virtual reality headset on user motivation and enjoyment while using an anti-gravity treadmill and traditional treadmill.

  • Jonas Holling and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Engineering (Faculty Mentor: Dr. Milad Rezvani-Rad) - e-Human Powered Vehicle Challenge

Connect With
Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education