Eriksson College of Education celebrates achievements at annual ceremony
By: Megan Simpson May 15, 2026
Emmanuel Méjeun, left, Full Spectrum Learning Center director, with Eriksson College
of Education Dean Dr. John R. McConnell III at the college's Awards & Celebration
Ceremony, April 30. Méjeun received two of the college’s highest honors for graduate
students. | Photos by Sean McCully
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University hosted its annual Awards & Celebration Ceremony on April 30 to recognize outstanding students, faculty, staff, and community partners for the 2025-26 academic year.
The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Brandi De La Cruz, the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and celebrated excellence across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
"This ceremony highlights the people who make our college exceptional," said Dr. John R. McConnell III, dean of the Eriksson College of Education. "The dedication, scholarship, innovation, and collaboration I see every day help transform education in our local community, throughout Tennessee, and across the nation."
Dean's Impact Award – Recognizes community partners whose contributions have significantly strengthened the Eriksson College of Education.
- Dr. LaVetta Radford
- Richard Webb
Outstanding Undergraduate Students – Recognizes exceptional achievement in undergraduate education programs.
- Gimal Cruz Pagan
- Alli Johnson
- Savanna Miles
- Peyton Dziadon
- Tori James
Outstanding Secondary Students – Recognizes excellence among students in secondary education programs.
- Sara Blanton
- Andrew Hoffman
- Kierstin Holman
- Katelin Csiszer
Dr. Brandi De La Cruz, the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, delivers a keynote during the Eriksson College of Education’s Award & Celebration Ceremony, Aug. 30, at Austin Peay State University.
Outstanding Graduate Students – Recognizes academic excellence in master’s degree programs.
- Zachary Quinn
- Megan Schneck
Emmanuel Méjeun, director of the Full Spectrum Learning Center and an Ed.D. candidate graduating in August, received two of the ceremony's top honors.
“I would like to thank my colleagues for believing in me, challenging me, and supporting my growth throughout this journey,” Méjeun said. “These recognitions mean a great deal to me, and they motivate me to continue doing meaningful work that advances educational research, strengthens practice, and serves students with purpose and integrity.”
Dissertation of the Year – Recognizes an exceptional doctoral dissertation among this year’s graduating Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) candidates.
- Emmanuel Méjeun
Dr. Carlette J. Hardin Research Award – Recognizes outstanding research contributions in education.
- Emmanuel Méjeun
Fred A. Bunger Memorial Award – Recognizes an outstanding graduate student for their scholarship and service in education.
- Ugochukwu Onumadu
Faculty & Staff Excellence Awards – Recognizes outstanding contributions to the college's mission in the areas of teaching, research, service, and leadership.
- Dr. Benita Bruster
- Dr. Christi Maldonado
- Amanda Bradley
- Sloane Helmintoller
- Amber Kiser
- Bethany Patterson
- Dr. Adam Attwood
- Dr. Allison Oliver
- Angela Gordon
- Jessica Langston
Students of the Month – Recognizes students honored throughout the academic year for their classroom leadership, course/program progress, and attitude/disposition.
- Rudy Alvarado
- Wyatt Bilbrey
- Alexandria Bowden
- Roselyn Declid-Hernandez
- Kate Elisabeth Gabriel
- Kalyn Gant
- Alli Johnson
- Rylei Johnson
- Savannah Lindsey
- Dave Logan
- Qian Lu
- Karley Musarra
- Amaya Potter
- Hallie Ranson
- Ben Salvador
- Ethan Turney
- Cheyenne Widen
The college also recognized student teachers among its initial licensure programs and presented them with cords during the ceremony.
All ceremony photos are available for download .
The Eriksson College of Education thanks the following sponsors for their support of this year’s event: CDE Lightband, Chicken Salad Chick, Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Imagination Library of Montgomery County, Nurturing Touch Massage & Aesthetics, Panda Express, and TVA EnergyRight.
About the Eriksson College of Education
The Eriksson College of Education prepares dynamic teachers and educational leaders to positively impact communities and schools in the 21st century. The college offers initial and advanced licensure and non-licensure programs. Its programs, including the nationally known Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). To learn more, visit .
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Austin Peay State University's Eriksson College of Education hosted its annual Awards Ceremony. Recognizing outstanding student, faculty, and staff achievements, the celebration featured Tennessee Teacher of the Year Dr. Brandi De La Cruz and honored top scholar Emmanuel Méjeun.
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