Liberty names 2025-26 President’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching

The Liberty University Center for Teaching Excellence has announced the recipients of the 2025-26 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, honoring five professors for their dedication in fulfilling Liberty’s mission of Training Champions for Christ.

The award is the university’s most prestigious annual academic honor, celebrating faculty who have promoted significant student learning, evidenced by creative and innovative approaches to teaching, the effective use of instructional technology, and exceptional pedagogical skills, as well as impact on student faith, thought, and character that fully realizes the vision of Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell.

Recipients will be recognized over the Commencement weekend during the degree presentation ceremony for their respective school or college.

The award process involves a formal nomination, dean support, faculty input, and student contribution. Winners are recommended by confidential scoring committees comprised of select staff, faculty, academic leadership, and past winners, and they are affirmed by the Office of the Provost.

2025-26 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Mitch Morrison

Professor of Aviation, School of Aeronautics

Morrison’s teaching reflects innovation, spiritual depth, and strong student engagement. He leads the annual Aviation Safety Forum, bringing together industry experts, faculty, and students to address aviation safety, human performance, mental health, and faith in professional practice. As the lead instructor for AVIA 300, he creates an immersive learning environment that includes simulator labs, historical case studies, and technology-enhanced instruction that serves all aeronautics majors. Dr. Morrison integrates a clear biblical worldview into his teaching, supported by his book “Why God,” and he regularly mentors students in faith, academics, and career development. Dr. Morrison remains active in aviation through flying, simulator work, and service on the Mission Safety International Board.

Dr. Samuel C. Smith

History Professor and Residential Department Chair and Graduate Program Director, College of Arts & Sciences

Smith’s teaching blends rigorous historical scholarship with innovative, research-driven instructional methods. In his graduate seminars, Smith incorporates digital media projects, such as interactive maps, blogs, and short-form video analyses, that strengthen analytical skills and broaden students’ engagement in historical inquiry. He is known for structured, evidence-based debates in American Christian Heritage, which deepen critical thinking and sharpen rhetorical skills. Smith integrates a clear biblical worldview throughout his courses and helped develop the History Department’s nine biblical worldview principles. As department chair and graduate director, Smith maintains an open-door mentoring approach and consistently supports students in publishing, presenting, and securing competitive awards. His scholarship includes books, peer-reviewed articles, and contributions to major academic volumes.

Dr. Michele Worley

Assistant Professor, School of Education

Through her teaching, Worley reflects innovation, collaboration, and a deeply student-centered approach. She created and led an embedded enrichment day initiative that places more than 150 teacher candidates each year into two local Christian schools, allowing candidates to design lessons and teach over 600 elementary students while strengthening community partnerships. In her courses, Worley integrates a wide range of educational technologies, including Nearpod, Padlet, Kahoot, and AI-supported assignments, and she models effective instructional strategies that prepare future teachers for modern classrooms. Her teaching is grounded in a clear biblical worldview, and students frequently seek her mentorship, prayer support, and guidance in their calling to teach. Worley is an active scholar and presenter, a Senior Fellow with the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, and a contributor to accreditation and intervention initiatives.

Dr. Jodi Duncan

Assistant Professor and Chair of the DNP and APRN Programs, School of Nursing

Duncan demonstrates innovative, evidence‑based teaching that strengthens clinical reasoning and professional formation. Drawing from her doctoral research on post‑simulation debriefing, she integrates structured reflection, case‑based learning, virtual simulations, and guided questioning to deepen clinical judgment. She models ethical use of technology, including AI, and helped develop AI guidance resources for graduate nursing students. Her teaching is rooted in a biblical worldview, and she begins each synchronous class with prayer and devotion, offering mentorship and spiritual support to students. As department chair of the DNP and APRN programs, she leads curricular alignment, assessment improvement, and program clarity to enhance student progression and success. Duncan is an active scholar who was recently been published in the “Journal of Christian Nursing” and has a record of giving frequent presentations.

Rebekah Cochell

Adjunct, School of Communication & the Arts

Cochell’s teaching reflects creativity, innovation, and a strong commitment to student growth. She developed new Service Design courses that provide meaningful alternatives to traditional practicum experiences, blending analog methods, digital tools, and ethical AI instruction to prepare students for real-world design challenges. Her curriculum integrates Christian texts, reflective journaling, and structured activities that help students connect faith, creativity, and cultural stewardship. Cochell actively incorporates emerging technologies, including Adobe Firefly, AI-supported ideation, and digital assessment tools, ensuring that students gain industry-relevant skills. Students consistently praise Cochell’s clarity, encouragement, and highly personalized feedback, noting her guidance strengthens their confidence and technical ability. She contributes to departmental initiatives through her work on the AI task force, thesis mentorship, and conference presentations.