SADAH faculty and staff recognized for teaching and scholarship
Recent honors, awards, and research opportunities highlight contributions from the SADAH community
School of Art Design and Art History
SUMMARY: SADAH faculty and staff receive recent recognition through awards, research leave, grants and professional honors. These achievements reflect ongoing contributions across teaching, scholarship, creative practice and service, as well as continued engagement with art and community.
The School of Art, Design, and Art History (SADAH) at James Madison University continues to distinguish itself through the remarkable accomplishments of its faculty and staff. Recent honors reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, research, creative practice, and service.
Several faculty members have been awarded 2026 Educational Leave, providing dedicated time to pursue research and creative initiatives that will enrich both their disciplines and the classroom.
Dr. Beth Hinderliter has been granted leave for the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 academic year, while Dr. Hannah Sions will take leave during Spring 2027. Susan Zurbrigg will pursue her leave in Fall 2026. These opportunities allow faculty to deepen their scholarly and creative work, ultimately benefiting students through enhanced instruction and mentorship.
Corinne Diop has received the 2025–26 Faculty Emeriti Association Legacy Grant Award, which includes a $5,000 award established by emeritus faculty to support current faculty teaching and research efforts. This recognition highlights the value of Diop’s contributions and the continued investment in advancing academic inquiry within SADAH.
Faculty members were also recognized through the 2026 Provost and College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Awards, underscoring excellence across multiple areas of impact.
Sangjun Yoo received the Provost Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship, acknowledging significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the field. Leah Stoddard was honored with the Provost Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching, reflecting outstanding dedication to student learning and instructional quality.
At the college level, Greg Stewart was presented with the CVPA Career Recognition Award, celebrating a sustained record of professional achievement and leadership. Jori Erdman received the CVPA Distinguished Service Award, recognizing exceptional commitment to service within the university and broader community.
Staff excellence is also a vital part of SADAH’s success. Matthew Hardwick, studio technician in the School of Art, Design, and Art History, has been selected to co-host a ceramics workshop on July 15 at Peter’s Valley School of Craft. His selection reflects both his technical expertise and his active engagement in the broader ceramics community.
Together, these achievements highlight the strength and creativity of the SADAH community, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence in research, teaching, service, and artistic practice.
