Athens State University recently honored two outstanding faculty members at the 2026 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.
Emily Corzine, Associate Professor of Accounting, received the Teaching Excellence Award. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who is distinguished by truly outstanding performance in the classroom. Ms. Corzine joined the University in 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Alabama.
Students and colleagues said that Ms. Corzine “presents challenging material with clarity and rigor while helping students understand how the principles apply in real-world professional settings” and that she is dedicated to her students “ensuring every student she comes across is given everything they need to be successful and prepared for the workforce so they can reach their full potential in their careers. This does not go unnoticed and is a highly unique asset that Athens State should be proud of.”
Dr. Jing Chen, Associate Professor of Computer Science, received the Distinguished Scholarly/Creative Works Award. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose university career is distinguished by truly outstanding scholarly or creative works. Dr. Chen holds a bachelor’s degree, three master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree. She began her career at Athens State in 2021.
Colleagues commend Dr. Chen for “building a research foundation at Athens State primarily with our students and faculty, without heavy reliance on outside collaborators, a feat that few faculty have done successfully at Athens State.” She is also praised because her students have published, “evidence that she has established a working lab at Athens State and successfully mentored students through the research and publication process.”
“It is a privilege to recognize both Professor Emily Corzine and Dr. Jing Chen for their outstanding contributions to Athens State University,” said Dr. Alyson Gill, Provost & VP for Academic Affairs and Student Services. “Their clear dedication to our students and passion for teaching have enriched our University in countless ways, and through their efforts they have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and strengthened our academic community. On behalf of Athens State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on these well-deserved honors and my sincere gratitude for all they continue to do for our University.”
Congratulations to our 2026 Faculty Award Winners!
Emily Corzine, MBA
Associate Professor of Accounting- Phone:256-216-5386 Phone:256-216-5386
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Business
- Office:
Sanders Hall, Room 318
Jing Chen, PhD
Associate Professor of Computer Science- Phone:256-233-6501 Phone:256-233-6501
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Arts and Sciences
- Office:
Waters Hall S103E