Faculty at Emporia State University are being recognized for excellence in teaching, service and mentorship, with several awards announced ahead of a campus celebration later this week.
Leading this year’s honorees is Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez Carey, who received the university’s highest faculty distinction, the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award. The honor, awarded since 1979, recognizes a professor who demonstrates excellence in teaching, professional achievement, fostering an intellectual atmosphere, service beyond the classroom and strong student mentorship.
Rodriguez Carey serves as an associate professor of applied sociology and applied criminology in ESU’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences. During her tenure, she has earned multiple accolades, including the Blue Key Faculty Leadership Award in 2024, the Ruth Schillinger Faculty Award in 2023 for contributions to women at ESU, and the Assessment Champion Award in 2022. As the 2026 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor, she will deliver the address at the university’s baccalaureate commencement ceremony in December.
The university will continue its recognition of faculty and community impact on Friday with its annual Women’s History Month Reception and Awards Ceremony. The event is scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the PKP Room of the Memorial Union on campus.
This year’s Ruth Schillinger Award will be presented to Dr. Rachel Spaulding, an associate professor of English and modern languages in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The award honors individuals who have made sustained, extraordinary contributions to women at ESU. Spaulding is known for mentoring students in research and teaching courses in Spanish and global literature.
Also to be honored is A’Kena LongBenton, recipient of the Mary F. Headrick Award. LongBenton is an instructor of instructional design and technology in the School of Library and Information Management. The award recognizes a long-term commitment to promoting the growth and success of women at ESU and in the broader community. LongBenton has taught extensively in both K-12 education and higher education settings, in person and online.
University officials say the public is invited to attend Friday’s ceremony, which will celebrate the achievements and service of this year’s award recipients.
