Carson-Newman convocation launches 175th anniversary, honors Azeem with faculty award

Carson-Newman University awarded Dr. Anita Azeem with its 2026 Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award. The recognition came during the University’s Fall Convocation on Sept. 1, 2026. The event also served as the launch of the University’s 175^th anniversary.

Dr. Azeem joined Carson-Newman’s faculty in 2023. Since arriving at C-N, she has been touted as an “effective and creative classroom teacher who brings a breadth of international teaching experience and scholarly expertise to her courses.” Azeem gained a wealth of teaching experience before joining the Carson-Newman community. The assistant professor of psychology, taught at such universities as the University of Denver, New Zealand’s University of Otago Dunedin and Forman Christian College University in Pakistan. She is the author of several published works for psychology journals, as well as a recent children’s devotional entitled, “Creator of All.”

Dr. Carolyn Carlisle, chair of C-N’s Graduate Studies in Counseling, championed her colleague’s approach to teaching.

“Dr. Azeem is an individual of strong Christian faith, an ethical psychologist and dependable colleague. She has a caring heart for students, colleagues and friends, and we are blessed to have [her] as part of our faculty.”

Presented to non-tenured faculty members since 1990, the Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award honors one who demonstrates creative and effective instruction and noteworthy leadership contributions to the overall academic program. Considered an indicator of future promise, the honor recognizes exceptional ability and positive student feedback.