FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, OK] - Southern Nazarene University held its annual Faculty Recognition Program on April 23, 2026, honoring faculty members for excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service. The ceremony also recognized two retiring faculty members for their years of dedication to Christ-centered higher education and the SNU community.
Held in the Heritage Room of Webster Commons, the annual event celebrated both full-time and adjunct faculty who exemplify SNU’s mission and commitment to student success.
Mark Winslow, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, emphasized the significance of the event.
“At SNU, we want to honor not only what faculty do, but who they are—their character, their impact on campus culture, and their embodiment of Christlike influence in the classroom and beyond,” Winslow said. “These awards reflect the attributes we value in Christian higher education, and we believe they point to the heart of our mission.”
The following awards were presented during the ceremony:
Excellence in Teaching Award
Awarded to Dr. Brett Bradley, School of Education. Selected by the traditional student body, this award recognizes excellence in classroom teaching and student impact.
Excellence in Accommodations Award
Awarded to Dr. Anthony Rodin, Department of History, Politics, and Law. Voted on by students, this award honors exceptional support through inclusive and responsive teaching.
Mace Bearer
Dr. Nick Zoller, Department of Computing, Mathematics, and Physics, was named Mace Bearer for the December 2026 Commencement, while Professor Ken Rosfeld, School of Music, was selected for the May 2027 Commencement. Chosen by faculty, the role symbolizes the authority and responsibility of the faculty in upholding the university’s academic mission.
Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award
Awarded to Dr. Michael Houston, Master of Organizational Leadership program, for sustained excellence in research, innovation, and scholarly impact.
Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award
Awarded to Professor Jim Smith, Division of Cultural and Communication Studies, for exceptional mentorship and meaningful investment in students’ personal and academic growth.
Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award
Awarded to Dr. Leah Wooten, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, for excellence in teaching and innovation in student learning during the early years of her higher education career.
Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award
Awarded to Dr. Gretchen Cole-Lade, Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education program, for exemplary service and mission-centered teaching in Professional and Graduate Studies.
The university also honored two retiring faculty members for their longstanding service.
Dr. Cathy Hutchings-Wedel, undergraduate Business Administration and Organizational Leadership programs, has served in Professional and Graduate Studies since 1988. In recognition of her 38 years of service, she was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus, honoring her lasting impact on the university and its students.
Dr. Sylvia Goodman, School of Rehabilitation and Sports Sciences, has served at SNU since 2001, first as a professor and dean in the College of Undergraduate Studies and later as Chair of Graduate Programs in Kinesiology in Professional and Graduate Studies. In recognition of her 45 years in Christian higher education, including 24 at SNU, she was also awarded the title of Professor Emeritus.
Southern Nazarene University celebrates these faculty members for their dedication to academic excellence, student development, and SNU’s mission of making Christlike disciples through higher education.
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.