The essence of the College of Charleston resides in the talent, commitment, and achievement of its faculty. Each year, the College recognizes outstanding faculty accomplishment and dedication in teaching, research and advising. The awards are listed here.

The Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award honors one faculty member whose exemplary scholarship and superb teaching over the course of a career has enriched the intellectual lives of students. Simon Lewis, who teaches African and Third World Literature in the English Department, and edits the literary journal Illuminations: An International Magazine of Contemporary Writing, is the most recent recipient of this award. Lewis also directs the Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World program at the College.

The Distinguished Teaching Award honors one faculty member who has demonstrated a commitment to high standards and teaching excellence throughout his or her career. Terry Richardson of the Physics and Astronomy Department was the most recent recipient of this award. Richardson, a Senior Instructor, teaches the astronomy and physics labs, and has a strong interest in aspheric mirror optics testing.

The Distinguished Research Award honors those faculty members who have been recognized by their colleagues for a career of significant research. Paul Allen of the English Department was the most recent recipient. He teaches the writing of song lyrics and poetry writing. His work has been published in numerous journals and anthologies, including The Southern Review, Northwest Review, Southern Poetry Review, and others. He is also a two-time recipient of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Fellowship in Poetry. His most recent publication is “Juice,” a personal essay on Zimbabwean poetry, which was published in the Southern Review.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a colleague who, beyond their required duties, has a sustained career of serving the college community in an outstanding and distinguished manner. Jack Parson of the Political Science Department was the most recent recipient. He has published extensively on political and economic conditions in Africa, and has long been active in encouraging student participation in national conferences on the Organization of African Unity. He has also served as Speaker of the Faculty, Chair of the Political Science Department, and Director of the Office of International Education and Programs. He was the Associate Director of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen African Studies at the College and Chair of the Conference of South Carolina University Faculty Chairs.

The Distinguished Advising Award honors those faculty members who have demonstrated a sustained dedication to students, assisting them with all aspects of academic advising. Thomas Kunkle of the Mathematics Department was the most recent recipient of this award. He teaches statistics and calculus, and conducts most of his advising in his second-floor office in 4 Green Way, one of many historic homes on campus.