By: Cassidy Delamarter, USF College of Education
The University of South Florida College of Education recognized outstanding students, faculty, alumni and community leaders during its 2026 Distinguished Awards Celebration, honoring individuals whose leadership, innovation, scholarship and service are shaping the future of education.
The 2026 awards ceremony introduced several new honors designed to celebrate the many individuals who strengthen the College of Education community — from students and alumni to educators, partners and community leaders who help advance the college’s mission and strengthen the future of education.
Undergraduate Student Leadership & Service Awards
Two undergraduate students were recognized for their leadership and commitment to supporting learning and student success.
Reese Kantrowitz, majoring in exceptional student education, is dedicated to fostering supportive learning environments for all learners. She serves multiple advisory boards and is the president of SCATT.
Kathleen Porcelli, majoring in elementary education on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, is dedicated to service within the education community. She serves as the president of the Leadership in Education Club and is an undergraduate assistant in the college.
Graduate Student Leadership & Service Awards
The college honored two graduate students who demonstrated exceptional leadership and service throughout the academic year.
Daria Smirnova, May 2026 curriculum and instruction doctoral graduate, served as past president of the USF Student Organization for Qualitative Methodologies. Her research focuses on civic education and qualitative research methodologies.
Paige Glossop, an exercise science and kinesiology graduate student, helps manage the Exercise is Medicine on-campus program affiliated with the American College of Sports Medicine.
Margaret Burlington Tritle Faculty Excellence Awards
The Margaret Burlington Tritle Faculty Excellence Award recognizes faculty engaged in outstanding research and teaching endeavors.
Bill Campbell
Bill Campbell, professor of exercise science and kinesiology, was recognized for his internationally respected research in exercise science, sports nutrition and human performance. Since joining USF in 2007, Campbell has authored more than 150 scientific papers and abstracts and currently serves as president of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. His recent work also explores women’s health and menopause, examining how exercise and nutrition can support overall wellbeing during midlife.
Mandie Dunn
Mandie Dunn, assistant professor of English education, was honored for her impactful scholarship exploring teacher well-being, emotional labor and grief in education. Her research focuses on how educators navigate personal loss while continuing to support students in the classroom, helping reshape conversations around compassion and support within the teaching profession.
Emerging Alumni Awards
The Emerging Alumni Award recognizes graduates from the last 10 years who are already making significant impacts through excellence, leadership and service.
Melissa Kulp
Melissa Kulp, a 2022 graduate of USF’s doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction, was recognized for her leadership in higher education and career development. She currently serves as executive director of the Price College of Business Career Center at the University of Oklahoma and was selected as a 2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar participant in Germany.
Stephanie Hornick
Stephanie Hornick, a 2021 graduate of the master’s in educational leadership and administration program, was recognized for expanding access to STEM education through the creation of a science lab on wheels. She is a middle school science specialist for Pinellas County Schools, where she is known for innovative STEM initiatives to engage students in hands-on learning.
Alumni Innovation Award
Marlee Strawn
Marlee Strawn received the Alumni Innovation Award for her work advancing artificial intelligence in K-12 education. A 2009 social science education graduate and co-founder of Scholar Education, Strawn is helping schools integrate AI-powered virtual classroom assistants that support personalized learning and teacher efficiency.
Spirit of Partnership Alumni Award
The Spirit of Partnership Alumni Award was presented to Cheryl Joe, John Hill and Jennifer Rouse from Polk County Schools Professional Development department for their impactful collaboration with the college and commitment to expanding opportunities for educators and students. They have helped hundreds of teachers and administrators through mentorship and partnership with our college.
Dean’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Albert Ritzhaupt
Albert Ritzhaupt , a professor of educational technology and computer science education at the University of Florida, received the Dean’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a career of sustained and transformative contributions to education and instructional technology. Ritzhaupt graduated in 2008 with his doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction and has published more than a hundred journal articles, book chapters and reports on technology-enhanced learning environments and computer science.
Betty Castor Champion of Education Award
Derrick Brooks
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Betty Castor Award to Derrick Brooks for his longstanding commitment to education and youth development.
Named in honor of Betty Castor, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership and advocacy have created lasting impacts in education and communities. Through the Derrick Brooks Charities and the founding of Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, Brooks has supported thousands of students through mentorship, academic success initiatives and leadership development programs.