Psychology Professor Dr. Brianne Friberg wins CUSA’s 2025 Faculty Achievement Award

Liberty University Professor of Psychology Dr. Brianne Friberg has been honored with the Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award for outstanding teaching, research, service, and scholarly work. Friberg, a Lynchburg, Va., native, has taught at Liberty since 2010.

Friberg was presented the award during the degree presentation ceremony for the School of Behavioral Sciences. The award was presented by Liberty President Dondi E. Costin, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Scott Hicks, Vice President and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw, and School of Behavioral Sciences Dean Dr. Kenyon Knapp.

“Dr. Friberg exemplifies an exceptional commitment to education as she consistently seeks to empower both students and student-athletes for success in their future careers,” Hicks said. “Through her innovative teaching strategies and academic expertise, she continues to elevate student engagement and promote meaningful learning experiences both in and beyond the classroom.”

“Dr. Brianne Friberg brilliantly blends research and theory with real world situations, and inspires her students to become the best version of themselves,” McCaw said. “Brianne is an outstanding choice as the winner of the CUSA Faculty Achievement Award at Liberty University.”

Each year, the Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award honors university professors who demonstrate a record of outstanding contributions to academics. The 2025 award recipients represent distinct fields of study including biology, communication, data science, ecology and epidemiology. They have published prominent academic articles, received numerous scholarly awards, and presented as subject matter experts throughout the country.

“We celebrate these outstanding faculty members whose extraordinary contributions inspire excellence in the classroom, advance the boundaries of knowledge through groundbreaking research, and foster meaningful change through dedicated service,” said Dr. Alisa White, the President of Sam Houston State University and the Chair of the CUSA Board of Directors. “The Faculty Achievement Awards are a recognition of their profound impact on higher education and in the success of their respective institutions.”

Friberg has contributed to the area of developmental science with emphases on risk, resilience, and developmental disorders. Her research with students spans a variety of topics, such as parenting, cumulative risk, and college student wellbeing. Dr. Friberg is an innovative educator, integrating a variety of active learning techniques into her courses to promote student engagement and learning. Her contributions have included faculty trainings, with a focus on enhancing teacher effectiveness and student engagement. Dr. Friberg has presented at numerous national conferences and collaborated with fellow academics to address current topics within the teaching of psychology. 

“The School of Behavioral Sciences is so happy for Dr. Friberg, and we appreciate the way she has contributed to the lives of our students,” said Dean Dr. Kenyon Knapp, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences. Her research, community engagement, and passion for teaching are an inspiration to so many.”

Friberg serves at the state level for the Virginia Association for Psychological Science and at the national level with the Society for the Teaching of Psychology’s Presidential Task Force on Burnout.

After attending Mary Washington College and earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Friberg earned her master’s and doctorate in Human Ecology – Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.