Carson-Newman presents highest faculty, staff honors

Carson-Newman University presented some of its highest awards to faculty and staff during its 56^th annual Honors Convocation on April 15.

Those honored were Tom Griffin, Dr. Shawn O’Hare, Melissa Summey, and Dr. Henry Suters.

O’Hare is the University’s Distinguished Faculty Member for 2025. The honor is the University’s highest recognition of a tenured faculty member who is active within the community and recognized by their peers, students and alumni as an outstanding teacher and mentor.

Joining Carson-Newman in 1996, O’Hare moved up through the faculty ranks to serve as chair of the English Department in 2009. He also accepted the role of Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in 2019. Throughout his tenure, O’Hare is credited as for being a leader, encourager, a student advocate and a friend to his colleagues.

“Shawn represents what I believe to be Carson-Newman’s greatest strength: commitment to our students and to their growth as ‘worldwide servant-leaders,’” said Professor of English Dr. Jennifer Hall. “He believes that, if C-N admits a student, then Carson-Newman has a moral obligation to invest in that student’s potential success.”

A respected scholar of Irish literature, O’Hare has over 20 articles published, and he has served as an editor on both “Nua: Studies in Contemporary Irish Writing” and the “Journal of Beckett Studies.” Over the years he has received ACA grants to travel to Ireland, been a visiting fellow at the country’s Maynooth University, presented work at the University of Belgrade and received Mellon grants for academic work in Salzburg, Austria. He has shared his love for Ireland with his students, coordinating six May-Term classes to the Emerald Isle to study multiple aspects of its culture.

O’Hare received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama before earning his doctorate from Florida State University.

Tom Griffin and Melissa Summey are this year’s recipients of the SOAR Award, the highest honor given to staff members. Recipients must have served C-N for at least five years and exhibit passion for furthering the University’s mission, excellence in their job performance, and positivity in their spirit and attitude.

As head baseball coach for the Eagles, Griffin’s coaching resume speaks for itself. In 19 completed seasons at the helm, he has coached five MLB draft picks and 23 professional players. Under his leadership, 43 players have earned All-SAC honors, 17 have been named to all-region teams and seven have earned All-American honors. Along the way he has helped teams of young men reach their full potential, encouraging academic success and offering spiritual guidance. His colleagues note the joy and positivity in which he exhibits.

Serving as director of Global Education, Melissa Summey is often championed for dedication to students and faculty across campus. In her role she proves over and over to be vital in assisting faculty with logistical travel support and helping students navigate passport and travel insurance issues. She is a primary point of contact for students studying abroad and always ensures members of C-N’s international student community feels welcome. She plays an important role in C-N’s mission of producing “worldwide servant-leaders.”

Suters was awarded the 2025 Community Service Award. A professor of mathematics and computer science, Suters is celebrated for his longtime involvement within the community. His involvement with Habitat for Humanity, included helping construct homes and serving on its board of directors. He is also involved within his church, Church Street United Methodist Church and has devoted much time to serving as assistant scoutmaster and treasurer for BSA Troop 55 in Knoxville.