Lincoln University of Missouri Celebrates Faculty Excellence at 2025 Awards Luncheon

On April 22, 2025, Lincoln University of Missouri honored faculty during the Faculty Awards and Appreciation Luncheon. Pictured from left: Dr. John Moseley, Dr. Michael Scott (25 years of service), Dr. Michael Bardot (20 years), Dr. Crystal Moseley (10 years), Dr. Safiullah Pathan (10 years), Dr. Touria Eaton (10 years) and Dr. Stevie Lawrence.

Lincoln University of Missouri recognized outstanding faculty members and honored retirees during the spring 2025 Faculty Awards and Appreciation Luncheon, held on Tuesday, April 22, at 11 a.m. in the Scruggs University Center Ballroom.

The ceremony began with a musical prelude, followed by welcome remarks from Lincoln President John Moseley and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stevie Lawrence II. Faculty Senate President Brian Norris delivered greetings on behalf of the Faculty Senate, and a musical tribute was performed by Rhonda Harper.

Dr. Saint Rice Jr., associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of University College, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Faculty Awards and Appreciation Luncheon.

DeNeia Thomas, dean of the College of Professional Studies, introduced the luncheon’s guest speaker, Geleana D. Alston, associate dean for research and community engagement in the College of Education at North Carolina A&T State University. Alston, a nationally recognized scholar in adult and continuing education, shared insights based on her extensive research in mentoring adult learners, supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields and leadership dynamics.

During the luncheon, the university presented several Faculty Recognition Awards, which highlight excellence in teaching, mentoring and community engagement:

Excellence in Teaching Award 2025

• Rhonda Wood, Ph.D.

• Jennifer McCord, Ph.D.

• Felix Edoho, Ph.D.

Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2025

• Adria Waters, Ph.D.

• Amanda Good, M.B.A.

• Sakil Mahmud, Ph.D. 

2025 Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award recipients (from left): Dr. Sakil Mahmud, Ms. Amanda Good and Dr. Adria Waters, pictured with Dr. Stevie Lawrence.

Faculty Community Engagement Award 2025

• Kayla Allen, M.B.A.

• Elijah Burrell, M.F.A.

• Dwight Bailey, D.Min.

The luncheon also recognized faculty members retiring in 2025 for their longstanding service and contributions to Lincoln:

• Felix Edoho — 28 years of service

• Avila Hendricks — 25 years of service

• Rhonda Wood — 20 years of service

The event concluded with an acknowledgment of faculty promotions and tenure recognitions. Lawrence served as master of ceremonies for the awards presentation.

The Faculty Awards and Appreciation Luncheon continues to serve as an important occasion for celebrating the dedication, scholarship and impact of Lincoln University’s faculty members on the university community.

View more photos from the 2025 LU Faculty Awards and Appreciation Luncheon here.