Dr. Thomas Hugh Crawford, Associate Professor, School of Literature, Communication, and Culture, Georgia Institute of Technology
University officials cite Dr. Crawford as being gifted in the way he designs his courses to adapt to the students at Georgia Tech. They offer the example of the time he and his students built a replica of Henry Thoreau’s house on campus, which resulted in many students volunteering to work on the house who weren’t even enrolled in his course. He has had a lifelong impact on his students, who have given a legacy title of their own to his courses: “a Crawford course.” Dr. Crawford is a role model for literature and writing faculty everywhere.

Dr. Trent Maurer, Associate Professor of Family Science, Georgia Southern University
According to Georgia Southern officials, Dr. Maurer’s work clearly demonstrates his teaching approach and its impact on student learning using a systematic process. He raises critical questions about his teaching techniques, designs a way to measure the effectiveness of his new approaches to enhance learning, and uses his results to improve what he does. Dr. Maurer has a long and consistent record of professional presentations and publications that disseminate his findings broadly so that teachers well beyond Georgia Southern can benefit from his work. According to his colleagues, Dr. Maurer is an excellent example of the professional life this award embraces.

Dr. Melanie A. Partlow, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Dr. Partlow’s colleagues praise her use of creative teaching techniques and technology to enhance her students’ learning. They note she is especially adept at reaching students with diverse learning styles and going the extra mile to help students overcome their anxiety about math. ABAC also called upon her to lead its Quality Enhancement Plan, which is a campus-wide initiative to improve student success in college algebra. One of her students credited Dr. Partlow with helping her successfully complete her algebra requirement after she had repeatedly dropped several algebra courses.

Dr. Sabine Smith, Associate Professor of German, Kennesaw State University
Dr. Smith has provided impressive leadership and dedication to building a successful German Studies program at KSU. According to university officials, her talent in building not only a strong curriculum for students but also providing learning experiences outside the classroom and across disciplines is outstanding. Dr. Smith’s abilities as a teacher are best measured by the growth in student enrollment in German Studies at KSU, especially given today’s typical student interest in more “popular” languages. In addition, she has an accomplished record of professional presentations and publications that advance teaching and learning in foreign languages beyond her classroom and campus.

Dr. Sherryne Southard, Assistant Professor of Legal/Paralegal Studies, Clayton State University
Dr. Southard’s colleagues note that she not only researches the effectiveness of her teaching techniques, but also has an excellent record of using her findings to enhance student learning. They say she engages in a process to determine what works for students. She then shares her results in ways that improve and benefit teaching and learning in the field of legal studies on a national level, including the realm of online teaching. Dr. Southard is a model teacher who captures the spirit and intention of the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.

Nancy Buntin, Columbus State University
Nancy Buntin’s involvement and service to Columbus State University began as a student and have continued into her post-retirement years. Nancy was educated and trained to be a teacher, but she found success in the banking industry and was employed by Synovus Financial Corporation for more than 30 years. Now retired, she is an extremely active volunteer for many civic, social and religious organizations. Nancy has served both as an official and unofficial teacher, mentor, friend, career coach and confidante to a large number of women who have gone on to achieve great things in their professional and personal lives. The personification of the values of both Columbus State University and the University System of Georgia, Ms. Buntin is a worthy recipient of the many accolades and awards she has received.

Rosalynn Carter, Georgia Southwestern University
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is an internationally renowned public servant. She has worked for more than three decades to improve the quality of life for people around the world. Currently, she works as an advocate for mental health, early childhood immunization, human rights and conflict resolution primarily through her work at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, which was founded by the Carters in 1982 as a private, not-for-profit institution. Outside The Carter Center, she is president of the board of directors of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI), which is housed on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia, established in her honor in 1987. Rosalynn Carter’s service to her community and the nation is exemplary. Her loyalty and dedication to Georgia Southwestern State University are unparalleled.

Anthony E. Parr, Darton College
Anthony E. Parr was born and raised in Albany, Georgia. He attended Darton College, then known as Albany Junior College, and graduated with an associate of arts degree in 1975. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. After graduation, Mr. Parr enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1996 at various commands. He then returned to his hometown to become a well-respected member of the Albany community. It was only a few years ago that Mr. Parr decided to return to college to seek a master’s degree in education. He is currently a professor of mathematics at Darton College. Mr. Parr has been a person of honor, courage and commitment throughout his career as a Navy Commander; a businessman; a respected consultant for military and economic affairs on both a national and international scale; and a professor. He is an outstanding alumnus of Darton College.

Parker H. “Pete” Petit, Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University
Parker H. “Pete” Petit is a leader in the healthcare and biomedical industries who has tirelessly served his community through volunteer leadership and transformative philanthropy at his alma maters, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University. Currently, Mr. Petit is the chairman, president and CEO of MiMedx Group, which develops biomaterial-based products for use in the musculoskeletal specialties. He is also president of The Petit Group, an investment management company. Mr. Petit’s volunteer service, leadership and philanthropic investments have been integral to the growth and success of Georgia Tech and Georgia State. Through his visionary support and involvement with these institutions, he has made a lasting impact on his community and higher education in Georgia.

When Felton Jenkins passed away on January 1, 2011, he left a legacy of service to Georgia that will resonate for decades. A native of Madison, Georgia, he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia and began a distinguished legal career with King & Spalding, which he helped mold into an international legal powerhouse.

Jenkins was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2006 and quickly earned a reputation for being extremely well-prepared for meetings, for an insightful mind and for asking tough but fair questions about the issues that came before the Board. Ever the graceful gentleman, he was widely known for treating people with respect.

Regent Jenkins was driven by a desire that every student in Georgia would have access to top-quality higher education. His focus was always on what was best for the students, and he understood keenly the connection between the success of the System’s students and the success of the state of Georgia. Education, he knew, was the key to all of life’s opportunities and possibilities.

In honor of his dedication to the mission of the University System of Georgia and his life of exemplary service to others, the trustees of the University System of Georgia Foundation have renamed the annual faculty award “The Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award.”

Emily Followill and Alan Jenkins accept a gift to honor the memory of their father, Felton Jenkins, Jr., from Regent Dink NeSmith

Elridge McMillan, the longest-serving member of the Board of Regents, was the inaugural recipient of the University System of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees’ Lifetime Achievement Award. In recognition for Regent Emeritus McMillan’s long career serving higher education, the award was officially named The Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. The award is given in recognition of extraordinary service to higher education in Georgia.

Donald M. Leebern, Jr.

Don Leebern has devoted two decades of his life to service on the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia Foundation. As chairman of Georgia Crown, Alabama Crown and Tennessee Crown Distributing Companies he has grown the family business into a highly successful regional beer, wine, liquor and water distributor. But more than his business success, he is known for his big heart, larger than life personality and deeply generous spirit.

He studied business administration at the University of Georgia, where he played football for three seasons. He joined the family business immediately upon leaving UGA and has led it to unprecedented success.

Regent Leebern lives a life of giving back. He is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations; has chaired the Board of Regents; and was a founding member of the University System of Georgia Foundation and has served as its chairman numerous times. Regent Leebern has demonstrated outstanding philanthropic leadership in support of the University System, as the leading contributor to the USG Foundation through Georgia Crown’s role as a Presenting Sponsor every year since the initial Celebration in 2004. He is an unabashed supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and has supported both athletic and academic programs generously.

In honor of his deep commitment to public higher education and his 20 years of service to the University System of Georgia, Don Leebern is the 2011 recipient of the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award.