Two BSC professors honored at opening-of-school assembly

For Immediate Release
Aug. 23, 2018

Pictured (l to r) are Dr. David J. Smith, Dr. Laura Stultz, and Dr. Brad Caskey.

Two Birmingham-Southern faculty members were recognized for their skills in the classroom at the college’s annual opening-of-school faculty and staff assembly on Aug. 23.

Dr. Desireé Melonas, assistant professor of political science at BSC, has been named this year’s recipient of the Bob Whetstone Faculty Development Award, given by the Provost’s Office.

Named for Dr. Whetstone, the professor emeritus, college alumnus, and former longtime chair of the education division at BSC, the annual award goes to a non-tenured faculty member for excellence in teaching. The cash component of the award is for professional development and travel.

Melonas joined the Birmingham-Southern faculty in 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Saint Vincent College and a master’s and Ph.D. in political science from Temple University.

BSC Professor of Chemistry Dr. Laura Stultz received the college’s inaugural David and Katy Smith Senior Faculty Award.

The award is made possible due to the generosity of Dr. David J. Smith, BSC professor emeritus of music who taught at BSC from 1983-2014, and his wife, the Rev. Deacon Katy Smith. The award will be made annually to a faculty member who has served for 10 years or more and who shows creativity and effectiveness in teaching as well as positive leadership in governance and service to the college.

Stultz, who has taught at BSC since 1997, received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Oberlin College and her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was named the 2013 CASE/Carnegie Alabama Professor of the Year.

As with the Whetstone Award winner, Stultz’ name will be placed on a plaque outside the Office of the Provost, and she will receive a certificate and cash award.