Athens State University recently honored two outstanding faculty members at the 2024 Honors Convocation. For over a decade, the University has recognized contributions of exceptional faculty through the Teaching Excellence Award and the Distinguished Scholarly and Creative Works Award. These awards are sponsored by the Athens State University Foundation, and nominations are received from students, faculty, and administrators who recognize faculty members who go above and beyond in their teaching and scholarly work.
Dr. Johnnie Lundin received the 2024 Teaching Excellence Award. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who is distinguished by truly outstanding performance in the classroom. Dr. Lundin joined the University in 2013 as an Assistant Professor and now holds the rank of Associate Professor. She holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in English.
Dr. Lundin was lauded for her dedication to her students. Those that nominated her for this award spoke highly of how she exemplifies the philosophy of servant leadership and goes above and beyond expectations to make sure the students in her class succeed. “She believes in you, she leads you, and she sees you as more than a student she advises, teaches or advocates, but a part of her and what she firmly believes in,” said a nominator.
Dr. Mark Gale received the 2024 Distinguished Scholarly and Creative Works Award. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose University career is distinguished by truly outstanding scholarly or creative works. He joined the University in 2019 as an Assistant Professor and now holds the rank of Associate Professor. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Management Information Systems and a PhD in Education.
Dr. Gale was commended for his research and his work with implementing ActiveFlex and improving the learning experience of Athens State students. “His dedication to fostering dynamic and engaging learning environment is truly remarkable,” read a nomination. “He consistently demonstrates exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation in design exemplified by the successful implementation of ActiveFlex. This initiative not only showcases his ingenuity, but also his commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology.”
Johnnie Lundin, EdD
Professor, Elementary Generalist, Department Chair- Phone:256-216-6618 Phone:256-216-6618
- Email:Johnnie.Lundin@athens.edu
- Department:Elementary and Early Childhood Studies
- Office:
McCain Hall, Room 222
Mark Gale, PhD
Associate Professor, Instructional Design- Phone:256-233-6588 Phone:256-233-6588
- Email:Mark.Gale@athens.edu
- Department:Foundations
- Office:
McCain Hall, Room 206