4 Seminole State professors honored as 2026 Endowed Teaching Chairs

Seminole State College of Florida has named four exceptional faculty members as the 2026 Endowed Teaching Chair honorees. Professors Dr. Maya Byfield, Laura Dickinson, Terina Nusinov and James Rucks were recognized for their achievement during the College’s Spring 2026 Commencement on May 4.

Sponsored by the Foundation for Seminole State College, the Endowed Teaching Chair awards honor faculty whose work exemplifies an outstanding commitment to teaching, student success and the academic mission of the College. Applicants are nominated by their peers and screened by a committee of faculty and staff. Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors interview the finalists and select the honorees. 

Dr. Maya Byfield: Siemens Endowed Teaching Chair

Dr. Maya Byfield has been a professor of biology for Seminole State since 2009. She strongly believes that a learning-centered approach empowers students to take ownership of their academic success. She serves as a facilitator of that process and embodies that role as project director of the STEM Undergraduate Research Program. She is the founder and director of Phenomenal STEM(ist) and Associates, which supports K-12 STEM education and college readiness through her TenYearMe platform. A colleague describes her as a trailblazer in undergraduate research.

Earlier this year, Byfield also was recognized as an American Association of Community Colleges Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Member for exemplifying outstanding dedication to student success.

Laura Dickinson: CenturyLink Endowed Teaching Chair

Laura Dickinson, distinguished professor of communication, joined Seminole State College in 2003 and teaches Speech along with innovative courses she created, including The Science Behind the Magic of Theme Parks and an Honors Oratory Course. She is actively involved in campus service through committees. Her supervisor notes that “Laura Dickinson demonstrates integrity, vision and a profound dedication to the mission of Seminole State College,” citing her ability to inspire others and her commitment to student achievement.

Terina Nusinov: Vinson Henderson Memorial Endowed Teaching Chair

Professor Terina Nusinov has served Seminole State since 2012, advancing from adjunct faculty to professor of biology. Through active learning, innovative strategies, and transformative Amazon study abroad experiences in Peru, Nusinov makes complex biological concepts accessible and meaningful. Colleagues praise Nusinov’s leadership in active learning and her generosity in sharing effective practices, noting her belief that “students learn best when they feel comfortable.”

James Rucks: The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair

Professor James Rucks has been an active and engaged faculty member in Emergency Medical Services with Seminole State since 2018. He has a gift for making complex medical concepts easy to understand. Colleagues share that Rucks is always imagining new and innovative ways to engage students in the learning process to better prepare them for entering the workplace. Students are overwhelmingly positive about their support for Rucks. He consistently received a score of 100% for being “effective in helping students achieve their learning objectives.”

The Endowed Teaching Chair Honorees each received a $5,000 cash prize and commemorative medallion in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the College.

Excellence in Teaching Awards

Eight faculty members were also recognized with the Ken Sylvester Excellence in Teaching Awards, given to finalists who were not conferred with Endowed Teaching Chairs, and the Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence, honoring adjunct instructors for their invaluable contributions. These awards are also sponsored by the Foundation and include a cash prize. Honorees are:

Ken Sylvester Excellence in Teaching Awards

• Kristine Buddemeyer, professor of mathematics
• Sharon "Cricket" Moore, professor of emergency medical services
• Dr. Hai Pham, professor of mathematics
• Dr. Modupe Soremi, professor of economics

Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence

• Yasmine Cooper, adjunct professor of interior design
• Karen Hussey, adjunct professor of English
• David Vanegas, adjunct professor of music
• Paul Wojcik, adjunct professor of mathematics

Each recipient of this year’s teaching awards demonstrates exceptional dedication to students, thoughtful innovation in their practice and a deep commitment to the values that shape Seminole State’s learning community.