Professors Receive Awards During Spring Commencement

Piedmont University professors Chris Kelly and Leslie Jones received awards during the Spring 2022 Commencement ceremony on May 6. Piedmont President Dr. James F. Mellichamp announced the awards during his remarks.

Kelly received the Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award, which is presented each year to an academic advisor who has demonstrated in an exceptional manner the qualities essential for sound advising. 

Kelly said it was “very much a surprise and a special highlight” of his academic career. 

“I can think of many other deserving colleagues who could have been the recipient. I am proud to be part of Piedmont’s faculty that places student success first. I am honored students took the time to nominate me for this award and look forward to continuing to help them on the journey to success.”

Jones, an assistant professor of education on Piedmont’s Athens Campus, received the Vulcan Materials Co. Teaching Excellence Award. She was recognized for demonstrating strong academic skills in the classroom and providing leadership and support in other areas of campus life. Recipients are faculty who assist the institution in nurturing an academic climate that fosters teaching and who provide leadership to enhance the campus community. 

“When I heard the president say my name, I was in complete shock and disbelief,” Jones said. “Upon thinking about this special award, I am extremely honored to be recognized for doing the thing I love greatly – teaching.”