Carson-Newman presents 2024 Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award

Carson-Newman University awarded its 2024 Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award to Heather Hartman Folks. The recognition came during the University’s Fall Convocation on Sept. 3, 2024.

Hartman Folks has served as assistant professor of Art at Carson-Newman since 2019. Prior to that, she was adjunct instructor, joining C-N’s faculty in 2014.

She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Auburn University, graduating summa cum laude. She later earned the Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tennessee.

Prior to arriving at C-N, her work experience included serving as adjunct instructor at Roane State and Walters State community colleges. She also served as arts specialist for the City of Knoxville and as visual arts editor for Red Branch Review Literary Arts Journal. Her work has earned multiple awards and been featured in numerous exhibits from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

She is championed by Dr. Shawn O’Hare, dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, for her contributions to the University. “Heather embodies all that Carson-Newman stands for: Truth, Beauty, and Goodness,” said O’Hare. “Not only does her own work exhibit those three elements…she also brings that very approach into the classroom and uses the fine arts to exemplify what a Christian college education can do.”

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.