The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Student Government Association Executive Council (SGAEC) hosted its annual end-of-the-year banquet last month, honoring outstanding faculty and student leaders for their significant contributions to the university community.
The banquet served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact dedicated faculty, staff, and students have on fostering a vibrant, supportive, and forward-looking academic community.
The evening celebrated the recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Awards from each of UT Health Science Center’s six colleges, recognizing faculty who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to student success. The recipients were nominated by the students from the various colleges. Introduced by their respective college student body presidents, the awardees included:
- College of Dentistry: Staley Colvert, DDS, and Clint Conner, DDS, presented by Jeff Guenther, College of Dentistry student president
- College of Graduate Health Sciences: TJ Hollingsworth, PhD, and Dennis Leo, PhD, introduced by College of Graduate Health Sciences Student President and SGAEC President Margaret Bohm
- College of Health Professions: Keisha Burnett, EdD, and Cody Whitefoot, DPT, presented by Brenna Foreman, College of Health Professions student president
- College of Medicine: Jeremy Greenberg, MD, and John Schorge, MD, presented by Dalton Hill, College of Medicine student president
- College of Nursing: Loretta “Alexia” Williams, PhD, RN, and Deundra Hearne, PhD, RN, presented by Kai Perry, College of Nursing student president
- College of Pharmacy: Ted Cory, PharmD, PhD, and Roland Dickerson, PharmD, presented by Piper Olivet, College of Pharmacy student president
Christie Manasco, PhD, RN, (College of Nursing) and Kelsey Frederick, PharmD, (College of Pharmacy) were honored with the prestigious UTAA Outstanding Teacher Awards, recognizing excellence in the classroom or in clinical instruction by full-time faculty.
Nursing student leader Perry announced the award to Dr. Manasco, saying, “This professor is not only a passionate educator that encourages and inspires her students in the classroom, but she is the embodiment of professionalism and servant leadership.”
Pharmacy student leader Olivet said Dr. Frederick “has an infectious positivity that makes her incredibly effective at empowering the students she teaches.”
“Training tomorrow’s health care providers is such a noble mission, and our awardees exemplify the excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service commitments we seek to instill in all our Health Sciences students. I’m most grateful to our student leaders in each college for their recognition of our stellar faculty.”
Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD
Dr. Dickerson, who is a tenured professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science and serves as the clinical coordinator and a clinical pharmacist with the Nutrition Support Service at Regional One Health, was also recognized as the 2025 UTAA Distinguished Service Professor.
“Dr. Dickerson’s distinction in the field of clinical pharmacy and nutrition support is unparalleled,” said College of Pharmacy Dean Reggie Frye, PharmD, PhD. “Dr. Dickerson’s effectiveness in teaching is evidenced by his extensive and impactful teaching experience, spanning over four decades.”
The Imhotep Award—the highest honor the student body can bestow—was presented to Charles Snyder, PhD, vice chancellor for Student Success, for his exceptional advocacy and service to students.
Dr. Snyder “is recognized by faculty, students, and staff as a strong advocate for students,” said SGAEC President Bohm. “He has dedicated 110% of his time and energy to improving the student experience here at UT Health Science Center, and his mentorship has been invaluable to the SGAEC this year.”
“Dr. Snyder doesn’t stop working for students, ever, and he always puts students first,” according to a College of Health Professions student. “People like him make UT Health Science Center a better place.”
Additionally, 73 student leaders across all six colleges were inducted into the Imhotep Society, recognizing their significant contributions to enhancing student life at UT Health Science Center.
“Training tomorrow’s health care providers is such a noble mission, and our awardees exemplify the excellence in teaching, mentorship, and service commitments we seek to instill in all our Health Sciences students,” said Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD. “I’m most grateful to our student leaders in each college for their recognition of our stellar faculty.”