USI faculty recognized with annual awards

The University of Southern Indiana has recognized the following faculty members as 2026 award recipients:

Distinguished Professor Award  

Dr. Guoyuan Huang, Professor of Kinesiology and Sport, is the 2026 Distinguished Professor Award recipient. Huang, who joined USI in 2002, has been a dedicated and highly respected faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport within the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. A prolific scholar in exercise science and rehabilitation medicine, he has collaborated with colleagues across the University and internationally, resulting in more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, 57 national and international presentations and 19 regional, state and local presentations.

Beyond his scholarship, Huang has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to service and leadership. He has served on numerous department, college and University committees, most recently representing faculty as a Faculty Senator and contributing to the review of USI's articulation agreement with Chengdu University. In the classroom, Huang is known for incorporating his cultural background into his teaching, providing students with a broader global perspective while fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment.

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. Oana Armeanu, Professor of Political Science, is the 2026 H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award recipient.

Armeanu has made a lasting impact on the University Core Curriculum through her innovative, student-centered approach to teaching. She teaches a wide range of core courses focused on international and comparative politics, helping students connect global issues—including economic development, democracy, environmental policy and social inequality—to their own lives and future careers. Her engaging classroom environment combines lectures with discussions, debates, simulations and writing assignments that challenge students to examine multiple perspectives while developing critical thinking and communication skills.

A respected scholar in international relations and comparative government, Armeanu is also recognized for her commitment to continuous course development. She has created new courses, prepared multiple classes for online delivery and consistently incorporates innovative teaching strategies that foster active learning and meaningful student engagement. Students frequently credit her courses with expanding their worldviews, strengthening their confidence in tackling complex topics, and inspiring new academic and career interests.

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. Katherine Peak, Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, is the recipient of the Sydney L. and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award. Throughout her time at USI, Peak has exemplified the University's commitment to civic engagement, compassion and servant leadership through her dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families in the Evansville community and beyond.

A passionate advocate for community service, Peak has devoted countless hours to volunteer work with organizations including ECHO Community Healthcare, Little Lambs of Evansville, It Takes a Village No-Kill Rescue, United Caring Services, The Salvation Army and the Christian Life Center. Through her sustained commitment to serving others, Peak has strengthened the University's connection to the broader community while inspiring students to embrace service as an essential part of their professional and personal lives.

USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award

Dr. Jason Callahan, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, has been awarded the 2026 USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award. He earned bachelor's degrees in sociology and political science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2003, a master's degree in criminal justice from Radford University in 2004 and a doctorate in sociology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2020.

Before joining USI, Callahan built an accomplished career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer, detective and evidence technician. He brings this extensive real-world experience into the classroom, particularly in the popular Crime Scene Investigation course, where students gain hands-on insight into securing, documenting and processing crime scenes using professional investigative techniques.

Known for his engaging teaching style and strong rapport with students, Callahan creates dynamic learning experiences in both in-person and online courses. By combining practical expertise with an interactive, student-centered approach, he equips future criminal justice professionals with the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the field. 

USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by Faculty Award  

Dr. Amie McKibban, Chair of the Psychology Department and Professor of Psychology, has been awarded the 2026 USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by Faculty Award.

McKibban has been a dedicated and engaging member of the USI faculty since 2007, earning recognition for her dynamic teaching style and commitment to student success. She is especially known for teaching human sexuality with a thoughtful balance of clinical expertise, compassion and meaningful discussion, creating an inclusive and interactive classroom environment where students feel supported and challenged.

Beyond the classroom, McKibban has made a lasting impact through her leadership and service to the University community. She has facilitated Safe Zone training for students, faculty and staff, helping foster greater awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues on campus, and has extended these educational efforts to institutions throughout the region. Her commitment to excellence in teaching has previously been recognized with the H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award in 2012, reflecting her enduring dedication to student learning and inclusive education. 

M. Edward Jones Engagement Award 

Outreach and Engagement has awarded the 2026 M. Edward Jones Engagement Award to Dr. Trent Engbers, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program.

Since joining USI in 2013, Engbers has exemplified the University's commitment to community engagement through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the region. Through pro bono consulting, strategic planning and service-learning opportunities for students, he has strengthened community organizations while expanding USI's impact beyond campus. His leadership also includes organizing the annual Nonprofit Excellence Symposium, which brings together students, faculty and community leaders for a day of collaboration and professional development.

Engbers' dedication to service has benefited organizations including United Way of Southwest Indiana, Easterseals, the Vanderburgh County Community Foundation, Marian Educational Outreach and Youth Resources. His commitment to community engagement was previously recognized with the Sydney L. and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award in 2023.

Presented annually, the M. Edward Jones Engagement Award recognizes an individual, group or project for excellence in leadership, commitment to quality, tireless service and dedication to lifelong learning in fulfilling USI's outreach mission.