The John Pleas Faculty Award

The John Pleas Faculty Award was established in 1997 to honor Dr. John Pleas, MTSU Professor Emeritus of Psychology. Dr. Pleas was the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1999 and is the author of Walking, published in 1981 by W.W. Norton & Company.

The John Pleas Faculty Award is presented annually to a Black faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service. The recognition ceremony will occur during African American History Month. Nominees should have completed at least five years of service at MTSU and have a record of outstanding service. Candidates must have three letters to support their nomination.

Previous Recipients

• 2023 – Chandra Story, Ph.D. 
• 2022 – Andrew Owusu, Ph.D.
• 2021 – Jennifer Woodard, Ph.D.
• 2020 – Leah Tolbert Lyons, Ph.D.
• 2019 — Franklin Michello, Ph.D.
• 2018 — Louis L. Woods, Ph.D.
• 2017 — Dr. Barbara Turnage
• 2016 — Dr. Linda M. Clark 
• 2015 — Michaele F. Chappell, Ph.D.
• 2014 — Sekou Franklin, Ph.D.  
• 2013 — Newtona Johnson, Ph.D.
• 2012 — Cheryl Slaughter Ellis, Ph.D.
• 2011 — Raphael Bundage, D.M.A.
• 2010 — Dwight Patterson, Ph.D.
• 2009 — Adonijah Bakari, Ph.D.
• 2008 — Marva S. Lucas, Ed.D.
• 2007 — Connie Jones-Wade, Ed.D.
• 2006 — Rosemary Wade Owens, Ed.D.
• 2005 — Patricia Patterson, Ph.D.
• 2004 — Anantha Babbili, Ph.D.
• 2003 — Bertha Smith Clark, Ph.D.
• 2002 — Alphonse Carter, Ph.D.
• 2001 — Sharon Shaw-McEwen, Ed.D.
• 2000 — Gloria Bonner, Ed.D.
• 1999 — Laura Jarmon, Ph.D.
• 1998 — Bichaka Fayissa, Ph.D.
• 1997 — Robert Rucker, M.S.W.