At Your Eastern Shore Community College, a committee of faculty and staff receives nominations for faculty and staff recognition and awards. At the 2025 Commencement on Wednesday, May 14th, Interim VP of Academic and Workforce Programs, Dr. Ramzi Ockaili announced the results of the voting that took place this spring.

Recognition for Teaching Effectiveness. The first award is given to a faculty member whose performance in the classroom or other instructional environments best exemplifies effectiveness in promoting student achievement. This year’s Teaching Effectiveness Awards was presented to: Felicia Blake, Susan Greer and Tonya Martin.  

The Faculty Scholarly and Creative Engagement Award is awarded to a faculty member who has achieved a significant academic scholarly accomplishment through research, publishing and/or professional presentations, grant activity, or creative works. The 2025 Faculty Scholarly and Creative Engagement Award was presented to: Alex Foxworthy and Bill McCarter. 

The Faculty Community Impact Award is awarded to a member of the full-time teaching faculty who has greatly impacted the college’s image through community service and involvement. This year’s award winner is John Floyd. 

The Caramine Kellam and Dr. Caramine White Award is for an ESCC faculty or staff member who has shown extraordinary concern for students and has gone above and beyond in their effort to help students succeed in school or life.   This year’s recipient is Christina Duffman.

The final award is the highest ESCC award for which a faculty member may be nominated. This faculty member substantially and demonstrably exceeded performance expectations in one or more of the following areas: Teaching, Scholarly and Creative Engagement, Institutional Responsibility, or Service. The Faculty Reward for Professional Excellence was presented to Dr. Alex Foxworthy.  

Dr. Foxworthy has brought real, hands-on science to life for students. From leading the pollen study to organizing community events like the microscope photo contest, he shows just how exciting and relevant science can be. He’s also the founder and advisor of one of the most beloved new student groups—the Woodworking Club.  

Dr. Foxworthy’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. Alex continues to mentor students even after they graduate, connecting them with internships, jobs, and new opportunities. One parent shared how he changed the course of her daughter’s life—from being her professor during the pandemic to still supporting her now, long after graduation.  He also plays a key role in supporting the college itself, serving on and leading multiple hiring and campus committees. 

Congratulations to all of the faculty award winners and to the Class of 2025 of Eastern Shore Community College. The May 14th commencement stream can be viewed online.