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Jax State's Dr. Lori Hensley Honored with Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award

DALLAS (04/03/2025) — Dr. Lori L. Hensley, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Jacksonville State University, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award, the league announced Thursday.

Established by the conference's presidents and chancellors, the annual Faculty Achievement Awards recognize outstanding educators for their commitment to teaching, research, and service within their campus communities. Each of the 10 recipients, representing institutions across the league, will advance as nominees for CUSA Professor of the Year - a title awarded by a vote of the universities' provosts.

"Today, 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, President of Sam Houston State University and Chair of the CUSA Board of Directors.

At Jax State, Dr. Hensley is known for her innovative work in cancer research and her transformative approach to student mentorship and experiential learning. Her research focuses on cannabinoid-based treatments for pediatric cancers, offering groundbreaking insights into molecular oncology. Through her efforts, countless undergraduate and graduate students have pursued careers in medical and biological sciences.

Dr. Hensley has played a pivotal role in advancing research opportunities in the classroom. She helped secure grant funding to ensure Jax State biology students participate in at least five course-embedded undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) - a first for the department. She also co-wrote the grant that established the Cell Biology Education Consortium (CBEC), a national initiative supporting faculty in integrating cell culture research into undergraduate teaching. The CBEC now includes more than 200 registered faculty members and has funded 27 primarily undergraduate institutions.

"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Hensley and grateful for her leadership in teaching, research, and service," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Her passion for student success and scientific discovery embodies the values we hold dear at Jax State."

In addition to Dr. Hensley, the 2025 Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award honorees include Dr. Noel C. Barengo of Florida International, Dr. May H. Gao of Kennesaw State, Dr. Brianne L. Friberg of Liberty, Dr. Jamie J. Newman of Louisiana Tech, Mr. Robert D. Gordon, Jr. of Middle Tennessee, Dr. Niall Hanan of New Mexico State, Dr. Yuan Zhao of Sam Houston State, Dr. Amy E. Wagler of UTEP, and Dr. Julia Roberts of Western Kentucky.

The CUSA Professor of the Year will be announced later this year.

Click here to read the full release from Conference USA.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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