MUSC Faculty Awards celebrate excellence

The Medical University of South Carolina’s 2025 James W. Colbert Lectureship and Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony highlighted faculty who have made extraordinary contributions. MUSC President David Cole, M.D., called them the heart of MUSC.

“Your work shapes the future of discovery, education and health care, not just within our institution, but across communities and generations,” Cole said.

This year’s lecture was delivered by Carrie L. Cormack, DNP. Her presentation, “The Weight We Carry, The Peace We Find,” was a thoughtful and inspiring reflection on presence, purpose and leading with heart, resonating deeply with all in attendance.

 

The ceremony also featured a symbolic passing of the torch from retiring Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D., to interim Provost Suzanne Thomas, Ph.D. Thomas called it an honor to serve in the interim capacity.

“Dr. Saladin is a role model of excellent leadership. She’s been both a voice for change and a steady influence in her many years in important roles at MUSC. We’re grateful for her example and her service,” Thomas said.

That gratitude was also apparent in Saladin’s recognition as one of the event’s honorees. Here’s the complete list.

• Teaching Excellence - Developing Teacher: Taylor Morrisette, Pharm. D.
• Teaching Excellence - Educator Lecturer: Lauren Fogelgren, MSPAS
• Teaching Excellence - Educator Mentor, Academic/Scholarship: Tatiana M. Davidson, Ph.D.
• Teaching Excellence - Educator Mentor, Clinical/Professional: Edward F. Kilb, M.D.
• Commitment to Excellence in Interprofessional Education & Collaborative Practice: Katherine H. Chessman, Pharm.D. 
• Population Health: Erick Lemon, MS
• Outstanding Clinician: Lillian M. Christon, Ph.D.
• Developing Scholar - Applied/Clinical Science: Janina Wilmskoetter, Ph.D., MPH 
• Developing Scholar - Basic Science: Justin Van Beusecum, Ph.D.
• Peggy Schachte Research Mentor: Alyssa A. Rheingold, Ph.D.
• Distinguished University Professors: Steven L. Carroll, M.D., Ph.D.; Harry S. Clarke, Jr. M.D., Ph.D.; Lucinda A. Halstead, M.D.; David M. Mahvi, M.D.; Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D.; Bradley A. Schulte, Ph.D.; Thomas W. Uhde, M.D.; M. Edward Wilson, Jr., M.D.
• South Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research: Steven A. Kautz, Ph.D.
• South Carolina Governor’s Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research: Jennifer Dahne, Ph.D.
• Distinguished Faculty Service: Alice M. Boylan, M.D.; Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D.; M. Edward Wilson, M.D.

Teaching Excellence Awards 

Developing Teacher: Taylor Morrisette, Pharm.D.

Morrisette is an assistant professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences in the College of Pharmacy. Since joining MUSC in 2021, he has earned multiple teaching awards, led a redesign of the residency research certificate program and received praise from students for making complex topics like infectious diseases and pharmacokinetics understandable and engaging. Through innovative teaching and mentorship, Morrisette empowers future pharmacists with knowledge, confidence and compassion. 

Educator Lecturer: Lauren Fogelgren, MSPAS

Fogelgren is an assistant professor of Physician Assistant Studies in the College of Health Professions. She brings more than a decade of pediatric hematology-oncology experience to the classroom and is recognized for her innovative, student-centered teaching. Known for her clarity, compassion and deep commitment to student success, Fogelgren redeveloped key clinical courses, integrates ungraded assessments to reduce anxiety and inspires learning through case-based methods, mentorship and real-world relevance. 

Educator Mentor, Academic/Scholarship: Tatiana M. Davidson, Ph.D.

Davidson is an associate professor in the College of Nursing. A leader in trauma-informed care and behavioral health education, she directs clinical programs such as SC Safe Seniors and co-directs the Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program. Davidson is deeply committed to mentoring students, trainees and faculty in implementation science and culturally responsive interventions. Her research and teaching have shaped over 40 clinicians and inspired emerging health care leaders. 

Educator Mentor, Clinical/Professional: Edward F. Kilb, III, M.D. 

Kilb is an associate professor of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine in the College of Medicine. He is widely respected for his leadership in medical education, serving as program director for the Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship and assistant dean for Graduate Medical Education. Known for curriculum innovation, mentorship and national influence, Kilb has led initiatives that enhance learner engagement and elevate MUSC’s educational programs. 

Commitment to Excellence in Interprofessional Education & Collaborative Practice Award: Katherine H. Chessman, Pharm.D.

Chessman is a professor of Clinical Pharmacy & Outcomes Sciences in the College of Pharmacy. A champion of interprofessional education and collaborative practice, she has shaped MUSC’s approach to teamwork in academic and clinical settings. Chessman has served as a core facilitator and expert for IPE coursework and events, while also providing leadership in complex pediatric care at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. Her impact spans mentorship, scholarship and patient-centered care. 

Population Health Award: Erick Lemon, MS

Lemon is an assistant professor within the Academic Affairs Faculty. As director of Digital Strategies & Innovation, he leads initiatives that expand access through technology. His leadership of a statewide outreach project helped secure $120 million in funding to improve care infrastructure for people with disabilities. Lemon also teaches innovation-focused interprofessional courses and directs MUSC’s DREAM Studio makerspace in the James W. Colbert Education Center and Library. 

Outstanding Clinician Award: Lillian M. Christon, Ph.D.

Christon is an associate professor of Bio-Behavioral Medicine in the College of Medicine. A psychologist and clinical leader, she is known for her integrated mental health care work with patients facing chronic medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis, transplant and sarcoidosis. Christon has advanced clinic-based quality improvement efforts, mentored rising clinicians and contributed to national guidelines and consensus statements that have shaped care delivery models for emotionally complex patients. 

Developing Scholar Awards  

Applied/Clinical Science:  Janina Wilmskoetter, Ph.D., MPH

Wilmskoetter is an assistant professor of Speech Language Pathology in the College of Health Professions. Her research focuses on neuroanatomical factors in post-stroke aphasia and dysphagia, which is supported by more than 60 publications and over 120 presentations. Wilmskoetter serves as principal investigator on a $2 million NIH R01 grant and collaborates across disciplines to advance clinical care. Her work has earned national recognition and contributes meaningfully to patient recovery and rehabilitation. 

Basic Science: Justin Van Beusecum, Ph.D.

Van Beusecum is an assistant professor of Nephrology in the College of Medicine. He directs the Kidney Translational Research Center and serves as a research health scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. His research investigates immune-endothelial interactions in hypertension and lupus-related kidney disease. A dedicated mentor and educator, Van Beusecum is widely recognized for securing competitive funding and advancing impactful, translational basic science research. 

Peggy Schachte Research Mentor Award: Alyssa A. Rheingold, Ph.D.

Rheingold is a professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in the College of Medicine. She serves as associate director of the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center. A clinical psychologist, Rheingold is recognized nationally for her trauma research and mentorship. Her work addresses the mental health needs of crime victims and health care workers while guiding over 20 fellows and 160 undergraduates toward successful academic and clinical careers. 

Distinguished University Professors 

Steven L. Carroll, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in the College of Medicine. An internationally recognized neuropathologist, he has made significant contributions to Alzheimer’s disease research and the biology of nerve sheath tumors. Carroll has authored over 135 peer-reviewed articles, mentored countless trainees and held national leadership roles in pathology and neuro-oncology. At MUSC, he has served as department chair, brain bank director and now leads South Carolina’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. 

Harry S. Clarke, Jr. M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of Urology in the College of Medicine. A clinical innovator and educator, he has advanced minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer, including pioneering work in cryosurgery and brachytherapy. Clarke has served in numerous leadership roles at MUSC, including associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and president of the medical staff. His contributions have earned national and international recognition, improving outcomes and shaping future generations of clinicians. 

Lucinda A. Halstead, M.D., is a professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in the College of Medicine. A nationally recognized leader in laryngology and performing arts medicine, she founded the MUSC Voice Center and serves as medical director of the Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice & Swallowing. She has educated generations of students, led curriculum development and earned prestigious honors, including the Hans Von Leden Award. She currently serves as president of the Performing Arts Medicine Association. 

David M. Mahvi, M.D., is a professor of Oncologic & Endocrine Surgery in the College of Medicine. A leader in hepatobiliary cancer, he has pioneered advancements in surgical oncology, device innovation and interdisciplinary education. At MUSC, he served as chief of Surgical Oncology, director of the Human-Centered Design Program and chief of the Oncology ICCE, where he helped elevate the cancer program into the top 15 nationally. He holds multiple patents and has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications. 

Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D., is a professor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Professions. A nationally respected physical therapist, she has advanced neurological rehabilitation through her teaching, research and clinical expertise. Her scholarship has shaped care for people recovering from stroke and spinal cord injuries. Saladin has influenced national standards through her leadership in the American Physical Therapy Association. 

Bradley A. Schulte, Ph.D., is a professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in the College of Medicine. A leading auditory neuroscientist, he has advanced research on age-related hearing loss for over four decades, securing continuous NIH funding and co-leading MUSC’s P50 Hearing Research Program. His work on potassium ion recycling and genetic pathways in hearing loss has influenced treatment strategies worldwide. Schulte has authored over 230 publications and mentored more than 75 trainees. 

Thomas W. Uhde, M.D., is a professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in the College of Medicine. A national leader in psychiatry, he has advanced research in mood, anxiety and sleep disorders for over three decades. Since joining MUSC in 2007, Uhde has elevated the department to a top-ten NIH-funded program while mentoring faculty and trainees, expanding residency programs and enhancing clinical care. His contributions include over 300 publications. He has earned national and international honors. 

M. Edward Wilson, Jr., M.D., is a professor of Ophthalmology in the College of Medicine. A trailblazer in pediatric eye care, he has shaped the field through pioneering research, global humanitarian outreach and education. His textbook on pediatric cataract surgery and leadership in clinical trials have defined best practices for surgeons worldwide. Over his decades at MUSC, Wilson has elevated academic excellence, built international training pipelines and championed access to vision care for children. 

South Carolina Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Science 

Award for Excellence in Scientific Research: Steven A. Kautz, Ph.D.

Kautz is a distinguished university professor of Health Sciences & Research in the College of Health Professions and director of the National Center for Neuromodulation for Rehabilitation. Since joining MUSC in 2010, he has built an internationally recognized research program and established the Stroke Recovery Research Center, transforming care for stroke survivors across South Carolina. A senior research career scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Kautz has received more than $70 million in funding as PI and helped secure over $150 million in grant funds to support nearly 60 investigators across 15 departments. His leadership has positioned MUSC among the nation’s top institutions in stroke recovery science. 

Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research: Jennifer Dahne, Ph.D.

Dahne is a professor of Addiction Sciences in the College of Medicine. Her research focuses on expanding access to behavioral health care through remote clinical trials and digital interventions for smoking cessation and depression. Dahne has developed multiple technology-based treatment tools and collaborates widely to implement these innovations in real-world clinical settings. Her work is transforming how care is delivered, especially in rural and underserved communities. 

Distinguished Faculty Service Awards 

Alice M. Boylan, M.D., is a professor of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine in the College of Medicine. Since joining MUSC in 1995, she has led transformative initiatives that expanded access to adult ECMO, burn care, palliative services, psychiatric care and treatment for sickle cell disease. As chief of the Acute, Critical Care and Trauma ICCE, she has advanced care delivery and improved outcomes statewide through collaboration with the MUSC Regional Health Network. A respected educator, Boylan has mentored countless trainees and contributed extensively to critical care research. Her service reflects deep compassion, as exemplified by her hands-on support of staff and patients during Hurricane Matthew, prioritizing safety and well-being without ever seeking recognition. 

Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D., is a professor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Professions and the executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. She has dedicated over 30 years to MUSC, serving in roles including dean and provost. Her leadership has advanced interprofessional education, faculty development, curriculum innovation and student support. Saladin also launched MUSC’s first brand awareness campaign, integrated AI into health sciences education and championed efforts to enhance student well-being. She has served on national boards, led statewide workforce initiatives and shaped policies that have broadened health sciences education across South Carolina and beyond. 

M. Edward Wilson, Jr., M.D., is a professor of Ophthalmology in the College of Medicine. For more than 35 years, he has made a lasting impact through his leadership, scholarly excellence and global service. As former chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the Storm Eye Institute, he led advancements in pediatric ophthalmology, earning international recognition for his work in intraocular lens implantation. Wilson has delivered over 800 presentations and published more than 190 peer-reviewed articles. He has also mentored numerous U.S. and international fellows, inspiring a generation of ophthalmologists. His humanitarian work has expanded access to sight-saving care for children worldwide.