Theresa Davidson, professor of sociology at Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award this week, the longest-standing honor bestowed by the college. This award recognizes faculty members for their excellence in teaching, dedication to students and contributions to the academic community.
Nominations for the award are submitted by Howard College faculty and senior students, with a committee of previous award winners carefully selecting the recipient.
“Students praise Davidson’s ability to create an authentic classroom community—one that encourages wrestling with hard questions and approaching complex issues from new perspectives,” said Jeff Leonard, professor of biblical and religious studies, who read the award citation. “Her generosity as a colleague, commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and dedication to fostering meaningful community across campus exemplify the very best of Howard College faculty.”
Davidson’s colleagues and students praise her engaging teaching style, deep investment in student learning and leadership within the sociology program and the race, ethnicity and social justice minor.
“I have been taking her classes for three years, and she is the most helpful professor I've ever had,” one student shared. “She loves her discipline, her students and Samford."
Davidson joins a distinguished group of past recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Award:
- 2026: Theresa Davidson
- 2025: Amanda Howard
- 2024: David Bains
- 2023: Gregory Kawell
- 2022: David Johnson
- 2021: Morgan Ponder
- 2020: Lisa Battaglia
- 2019: Jeffery Leonard
- 2018: Jennifer Speights-Binet
- 2017: Jack Berry
- 2016: Emily Hynds
- 2015: Charlotte Brammer
- 2014: Elizabeth Dobbins
- 2013: Millicent Bolden
- 2012: Frederick Shepherd
- 2011: W. Jason Wallace
- 2010: Michael Janas
- 2009: Penny Marler
- 2008: Ginger Frost
- 2007: Ronald Jenkins
- 2006: Rhonda Parker
- 2005: Charles Workman
- 2004: William Collins
