CSM Appoints Distinguished Faculty for Commitment to Leadership and Engagement

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) announced the 2026-2029 Endowed Distinguished Faculty appointments recognizing campus leaders committed to teaching, faculty development, and community engagement.

The Endowed Distinguished Faculty program awards professors who have demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment in the areas of leadership, innovation, equity, and mentorship. Selected by a committee of their peers, appointees serve three-year terms supporting and creating programs and initiatives to advance the college’s efforts in these areas. Below are the four appointed professors who are currently transitioning into their new roles.

Distinguished Faculty for the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership

Dr. Mary Beth Klinger has been appointed as Distinguished Faculty for the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership. Klinger has taught business at CSM for more than 25 years and has received several honors, including CSM’s Faculty Excellence Award, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Teaching Excellence Award for U.S. Region 2.

The Miller Center opened in 2019 in honor of longtime Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. Its mission is to build an inclusive and engaged community through education, civic engagement, and social responsibility. Klinger will serve as chair of the center to support its programs and initiatives, including the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Leadership Academy. The academy is open to all CSM students interested in developing leadership and communication skills and serving the community.

Kinger said she is honored to serve in this role and create opportunities for leadership development.

“As a business educator, I believe leadership is grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, and preparing individuals to engage thoughtfully in their professions, communities, and public life,” Klinger said.

As part of this role, Klinger hopes to collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to strengthen leadership development and encourage informed civic engagement.

Endowed Faculty for Innovation

Dr. Tracey Stuller, tenured biology professor and veterinarian, has been appointed as Endowed Faculty for Innovation. With more than 20 years of higher education experience, Stuller is recognized for hands-on learning strategies and connecting students to real-world science through environmental and community partnerships.

“I’m honored by the opportunity and see it as a chance to strengthen connections between our students, their learning, and the community,” Stuller said. “My goal is to create engaging, practical learning experiences by drawing on the wealth of resources right here in Southern Maryland.”

The Endowed Faculty for Innovation works to strengthen workforce development and CSM innovation programs through collaboration with industry and federal partners and community organizations. In this role, Stuller will, in part, host workshops, lectures, and innovation events to develop entrepreneurship and technology initiatives and STEM opportunities for students.

Dr. Maureen Murphy Distinguished Professor for Equity in Education

Christopher Ankney, professor of writing and literature, has been appointed as Dr. Maureen Murphy Distinguished Professor for Equity in Education. An award-winning poet, Ankney has published works in Boston Review, The South Carolina Review, Pleiades, and Hunger Mountain.

This position was established in 2022 by CSM’s fifth president Dr. Maureen Murphy to engage and mobilize college faculty, staff, and students with the community to examine and improve equity in education.

Ankney will work to reduce barriers for students, faculty, and staff, including those that are hard to see or understand, like food and housing insecurities, mental health conditions, or physical impairment. 

“A fair and just learning experience requires educators to recognize each person’s right to learn without persistent barriers to learning being ignored or unaddressed,” Ankney said. “We must be intentional in our curriculum and programming to identify barriers, reduce stigma, and create learning environments where people can access the support they need to succeed.”

During this appointment Ankney will host an annual public lecture on equity and support additional professional development opportunities for faculty.

Endowed Distinguished Professor for Mentorship

English Professor John Kulikowski has been appointed as Endowed Distinguished Professor for Mentorship to support faculty professional development and cultivate a culture of belonging across the CSM community.

Kulikowski serves as Program Coordinator of CSM’s faculty training program, FIRST Faculty, and Faculty Mentoring Committee Chair. He hopes to continue building existing mentoring programs and launch new efforts to support all levels of faculty.

“I believe mentoring can be an important catalyst in impacting faculty success both inside and outside the classroom, as well as helping to build and enhance our CSM culture and community,” Kulikowski said. “If done well, mentoring can be of great benefit to any faculty member who desires it.”

In this role, Kulikowski will collaborate with faculty leaders to design, coordinate, and implement faculty mentorship programs to ensure that CSM is equipped to deliver high-quality, student-centered teaching to promote retention and student success.

The appointees will serve in their respective roles through 2029.