Retired Educator Award
This award honors educators who have made a great impact on students’ lives. The nominee must have spent a minimum of 15 years as an educator and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. Nominees can include retired superintendents, educational administrators, teachers, guidance counselors or researchers.
Eligibility Considerations
- Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
- Candidate must have 15 years or more experience in the education field.
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2025 Retired Educator Award Recipient, Robert H. Sandel, Ph.D.
2024 Retired Educator Award Recipient, Allison Jacques
2023 Retired Educator Award Recipient, Hiller Spires, Ph.D.
Veteran Teacher Award
This award is given to a classroom teacher in recognition of their services to the profession and the students they teach. The nominee must have spent a minimum of 10 years as a teacher, and their work incorporates best practices helping students succeed in the classroom.
Eligibility Considerations
- Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
- Candidate must have 10 years or more experience as an educator, specifically a classroom teacher.
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2025 Veteran Teacher Award Recipient, Tiffany Palmatier
2024 Veteran Teacher Award Recipient, Stephanie Johnson
2023 Veteran Teacher Award Recipient, Andy Posey
Outstanding New Teacher Award
Nominees for this award have been in the teaching profession for no more than five years, but in that short time, have demonstrated a strong ability to foster excellence in the classroom.
Eligibility Considerations
- Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
- Candidate must have no more than five years experience as an educator.
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2024 Outstanding New Teacher Award Recipient, Adam Rafferty
2023 Outstanding New Teacher Award Recipient, Adrianna Shoemaker
Educator Working Outside the Classroom Award
This award is presented to educators working outside the classroom who inspire excellence among their peers and exhibit a powerful commitment to the field. Superintendents, educational administrators, counselors, coaches or researchers are eligible for nomination.
Eligibility Considerations
- Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2024 Educator Working Outside the Classroom Award Recipient, Lyssa Harvey, Ed.S.
2023 Educator Working Outside the Classroom Award Recipient, Megan Carrero, Ph.D.
Champion of Educational Opportunity Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership and service among educators who foster inclusive excellence and expand educational opportunities for all students. The nominee demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education, supporting student success and removing barriers to achievement. Through innovative practices and dedication, the recipient postively impacts the education community and empowers each student to reach their full potential.
Eligibility Considerations
- Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2024 Educational Opportunity Award Recipient, Brian T. Chatman, Ed.S.
2023 Educational Opportunity Award Recipient, Regina Ciphrah, Ph.D.
Distinguished Service Award
This award honors individuals who provide selfless service to the education community. This award is NOT limited to our alumni. This award could be presented to companies or organizations making great impacts on student achievement in transformative ways.
Eligibility Considerations
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2024 Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Colonial Life
2023 Distinguished Service Award Recipient, The Honorable James Rex, Ph.D.
Sallie S. Ortmann Innovative Educator Award
This award is given to a classroom teacher in recognition of innovation in teaching, collaboration and service. The nominee will demonstrate intention and creativity in the profession and will uphold the model of innovation set by the life and legacy of Sallie S. Ortmann.
Eligibility Considerations
- Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
- Candidate must be a classroom teacher.
- It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2026), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
- Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.
2024 Sallie S. Ortmann Innovative Educator Award, Presented Posthumously to Sallie S. Ortmann