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Jax State's Dr. Rashad Ahmed earns Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award

Nationally recognized linguistics scholar honored for excellence in teaching, research and service

Jacksonville, AL (04/09/2026) — Jacksonville State University's Dr. Rashad Ahmed has been named a 2026 Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award recipient, an honor recognizing outstanding faculty members for excellence in teaching, research and service.

The award, established by Conference USA's Board of Directors, recognizes one faculty member from each member institution for exceptional contributions in teaching, research and service. Each honoree is also named their institution's nominee for Conference USA Professor of the Year.

An associate professor of linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages, Dr. Ahmed is a globally recognized scholar and educator whose work focuses on language education in the age of artificial intelligence. His research focuses on AI in writing instruction, multilingual assessment and global language policy. He has authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications and delivered keynote presentations internationally.

A recipient of the TESOL International Teacher of the Year Award, Dr. Ahmed is widely regarded as one of the leading English language educators worldwide. In the classroom, his teaching is known for being rigorous, innovative and student-centered, with a strong emphasis on mentorship that helps guide students toward publication and advanced study.

"I am truly honored to receive the Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award," said Dr. Ahmed. "This recognition holds special meaning coming alongside the TESOL International Teacher of the Year Award, as both reflect a career dedicated to advancing education through cross-cultural understanding. I am grateful to Jacksonville State University for providing the environment and support that make this work possible."

"Dr. Ahmed represents the very best of Jax State. He is an educator whose work is making a meaningful difference for students while advancing his field on a global stage," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "His recognition by Conference USA reflects both his individual excellence and the strength of our faculty as a whole."

Dr. Ahmed's leadership extends across the profession, including serving as chair of the Applied Linguistics Interest Section of TESOL International and reviewing more than 100 scholarly works. At Jax State, he has earned multiple awards for excellence in teaching, research and service, reflecting his commitment to advancing both his discipline and the students he serves.

As a Faculty Achievement Award recipient, Dr. Ahmed will represent Jax State as its nominee for Conference USA Professor of the Year, which will be selected by the league's provosts.

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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