During its annual University Fall Meeting on Tuesday, August 12, the University of Southern Indiana recognized the following faculty members as award recipients:
Distinguished Professor Award
Dr. Abbas Foroughi, Professor of Computer Information Systems, was named the 2025 Distinguished Professor Award recipient. With a doctorate in management information systems from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Foroughi brings decades of expertise in areas such as data communications, enterprise systems, cybersecurity and supply chain management. He chaired the Department of Management and Information Sciences for 15 years, played a pivotal role in developing innovative programs and certificates in both management and CIS and has taught for many years at both the undergraduate and MBA levels.
A prolific scholar and presenter, Foroughi has published extensively on digital learning, supply chain workforce skills and emerging technologies. He is a recipient of multiple teaching and service awards, including recognition from the Decision Sciences Institute and the USI Romain College of Business. Foroughi also actively contributes to community and professional organizations, including Rotary and national academic conferences, furthering education and technology initiatives regionally and nationally.
The Distinguished Professor Award was established in 1983 and is USI’s highest award given in recognition of significant achievement in teaching, scholarship and service.
H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award
Dr. Zachary Pilot, Associate Professor of Psychology, is the 2025 H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award recipient.
Pilot is a first-generation college graduate and a strong advocate for USI first-generation students. A cognitive developmental psychologist from the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, he has spent the past five years at USI mentoring students, advancing undergraduate research and fostering innovative teaching practices. His work has been recognized with the USI Liberal Arts Excellence in Teaching Award for his leadership in implementing and supervising peer mentors in psychology classrooms.
Pilot’s active research lab explores adverse childhood experiences, autism spectrum disorders, mental health and strategies to improve academic outcomes. He has shared his expertise beyond academia, including at USI’s inaugural TEDx event and through service-learning partnerships with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and the Mental Health Collaborative of Greater Evansville, deepening the connection between psychological science and community well-being.
The H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award was established in 2000 and honors USI faculty members whose work in University Core Courses (UCC) has been especially creative and successful in furthering UCC goals.
Sydney L. and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award
Dr. Laurel Standiford Reyes, Associate Professor of Psychology, is the recipient of the Sydney L. and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award. She also directs the Human and Family Development Lab at USI. Standiford Reyes holds a doctorate in developmental psychology from the University of Montana and focuses her research on the full spectrum of human relationships, from early childhood attachment to aging and end-of-life connections. Her scholarship explores identity development, mindfulness, aging, dementia education, maternal mortality, racial disparities and the impact of poverty on families.
A committed community advocate, Standiford Reyes has led powerful initiatives such as the 1878 Memorial Project, honoring victims of racial violence in Indiana, and has collaborated on aging-focused projects through the Minka Advisory Board and Dementia Friendly Community Action Board. She also partners with the Indiana Department of Health on maternal mortality research to shape policy and educational resources. Her work blends service, scholarship and student engagement, embodying meaningful community collaboration and transformative impact.
USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by a Lecturer Award
David Enzler, Lecturer in Kinesiology and Sport and Director Emeritus of Recreation, Fitness and Wellness, has been awarded the 2025 USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by an Lecturer Award.
Enzler has served the University with exceptional dedication for over two decades. As Director of Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness until his retirement in 2021, he left a lasting impact on campus life. Since 2002, he has also shared his passion for teaching as an adjunct lecturer in the Kinesiology and Sport Department, where he continues to inspire students through courses such as Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Motor Learning, as well as Training Science. Known for his deep knowledge, engaging teaching style and unmatched ability to simplify complex concepts, Enzler consistently earns high praise and top CPS scores from students. His mentorship extends beyond the classroom—supporting both students and faculty alike.
Even in retirement, Enzler remains committed to learning and growing, embracing advanced technologies in the department’s evolving Biomechanics Lab. His compassion, innovation and dedication make him a true pillar of the USI community.
USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award
Jordan Thomason, Instructor in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, has been awarded the 2025 USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography in 2013 and her master’s degree in business administration in 2025, both from USI.
Also the recipient of the 2025 Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions Excellence in Teaching Award, Thomason is an Instructor and Clinical Coordinator in the USI Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program. Following graduation, she built a distinguished career in high-risk obstetrics, working at multiple institutions across the country before returning to the Tri-state region to share her expertise with future sonographers.
Thomason is one of only seven individuals in the U.S.—and the only one in Indiana—certified in abdomen, OB/GYN, pediatric sonography, adult echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography and fetal echocardiography. Her clinical experience, particularly in neonatal intensive care units, fuels her advocacy for early detection of congenital heart defects. At USI, she is known for her student-first approach, regularly developing innovative projects and delivering up-to-date material that empowers students to lead in their field. Her passion, mentorship and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the DMS program and the broader healthcare community.
USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by Faculty Award
Patricia Marcum, Advanced Instructor in Kinesiology and Sport, has been awarded the 2025 USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by Faculty Award.
Marcum is a dedicated and dynamic faculty member in the Kinesiology and Sport Department, where she has taught since 1995. Over her career, she has taught more than 30 courses across kinesiology, sport management, and exercise science, earning praise for her engaging teaching style, clarity and unwavering support for students. She has delivered over 25 presentations at state and national conferences, often involving students in innovative, real-world learning experiences.
Beyond the classroom, Marcum has served the University and Pott College in numerous capacities, including on the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, as an official scorekeeper for USI Athletics, and as a mentor and advisor. She has also been active in community education, teaching swimming and water aerobics. Her honors include the Pott College Outstanding Advisor Award, USI Elevating Spirit Screagle Pride Award, and Indiana AHPERD Leadership and Pathfinder Awards, reflecting her profound impact on students and colleagues.
Marcum also contributes extensively through service on department, college and University committees and has played a key role in USI’s international partnership with Chengdu Sport University in China.
M. Edward Jones Engagement Award
USI Outreach and Engagement has awarded the 2025 M. Edward Jones Engagement Award to Dr. Renee Frimming, Chair of the Kinesiology and Sport Department; Director of the Master of Science in Sport Management program; and Professor of Kinesiology and Sport. Since joining USI in 2008, she has led program accreditations, launched new academic offerings, expanded K–12 partnerships and advanced international collaborations, including a groundbreaking agreement with Chengdu Sport University to facilitate faculty exchanges and bring students to USI starting in 2025.
A Master Certified Health Education Specialist, Frimming has secured funding for school-based fitness and nutrition programs in Title I schools and organized numerous health fairs and wellness events across the Tri-state. Widely published and recognized with multiple awards, including the USI Phenomenal Women Award and the SHAPE America MACUPE Scholar/ Lecturer Award, she is known for her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative curriculum, far-reaching community impact, and the warmth and collegiality that inspire colleagues, students and community partners.
The annual M. Edward Jones Engagement Award recognizes USI employees (current and retired), students, alumni, board members, and trustees who inspire others to engage, have made a positive impact in the USI community and the region and demonstrate tireless service and dedication to lifelong learning in fulfilling the outreach mission of USI.
