CAIFS Ambassadors are faculty leaders dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between their academic departments and the Center for Academic Innovation and Faculty Support (CAIFS). Through this partnership, Ambassadors help amplify CAIFS’ mission of supporting a broad, holistic approach to faculty development—one that encourages and rewards academic innovation both inside and outside the classroom.

This commitment to professional growth is more than just beneficial; it’s essential. Research shows that faculty development plays a critical role in advancing student success (AAC&U), boosting student self-efficacy (Inside Higher Ed), and enhancing faculty satisfaction, career advancement, and overall well-being (Vela et al., 2023).

In collaboration with CAIFS, Ambassadors aim to:

+ Bridge the gap between departments and CAIFS
+ Share valuable resources and upcoming events with colleagues
+ Promote professional learning tailored to faculty needs
+ Champion innovation in teaching, learning, and faculty development
+ Recommend meaningful, future PD

Our inaugural 2025 Ambassadors include:

Kenneth Barideaux Jr. | kbaridea@uscupstate.edu
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology

Chung-Yean Chiang | cchiang@uscupstate.edu
Associate Professor
George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics

Kara Davis | fergus42@uscupstate.edu
Assistant Professor of Community Health
Department of Human Performance and Health

Kathleen Ferris | kpferris@uscupsate.edu
Senior Instructor of Biology
Natural Sciences and Engineering

Greta Freeman | freemang@uscupstate.edu
Professor of Elementary Education
College of Education, Human Performance, and Health

Teri Harmon | terih@uscupstate.edu
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Mary Black School of Nursing

Tammy Pike | piket@uscupstate.edu
Senior Instructor Of History
Civic Engagement Coordinator 
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and American Studies

Elham Sohrabi | esohrabi@uscupstate.edu
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Division of Math and Computer Science

Reid Toth | tothr@uscusptate.edu
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Women’s Studies

Grover Walters | waltersi@uscupstate.edu
Assistant Professor
Department of Informatics