CSM Recognizes Faculty Achievement through Tenure and Promotions

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Board of Trustees awarded tenure and promotions to 20 faculty members recognizing their excellence in teaching and service, and commitment to student success.

Tenure status is awarded to faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and service while going above and beyond to support students’ academic journeys. In May, Dr. Bernice Brezina, vice president of Division of Learning, recommended six faculty members for tenure to the Board of Trustees for meeting or exceeding standards set forth in the tenure review policy as established jointly by college administrators and Faculty Senate. Dr. Brezina said the tenured professors embody CSM’s strategic goals of expanding access, building momentum, and strengthening mobility.

“Tenure recognizes faculty who have demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, service, and student support,” Brezina said. “These faculty members have made significant contributions to their programs, their colleagues, and the students they serve. Their commitment strengthens the educational experience at CSM and helps advance the college's mission.”

The following faculty members have been awarded tenure:

• Seth Bacon, Professor, School of Liberal Arts: Chair of the Faculty Innovation Committee, Professor Bacon is recognized for his work expanding service learning and undergraduate research, supporting Early College students, and strengthening student engagement.
• Heather Bougher, Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts: Bougher’s work has helped develop new general education courses and the associate degree in art. She is recognized for her commitment to strengthening faculty mentorship, advising, and student engagement.
• Elizabeth (Beth) Caruso, Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts: Associate Professor Caruso serves as English Coordinator and co-chair of the Dual Enrollment Professional Learning Committee to support K-12 students as they transition to higher education. She is recognized for her work to strengthen program quality, faculty engagement, and the success of Early College students.
• Pamela Burkett-Jones, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies: Associate Professor Burkett-Jones, coordinator of Criminal Justice, has supported the program’s growth and developed targeted strategies to support adult learners. She is recognized for improving scheduling, expanding student access, and supporting student success through mentorship, internships, and community engagement.
• Heather Collins, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies: Associate Professor Collins, math dual enrollment coordinator, is recognized for supporting student success through tutoring access and course innovation. Her instructional leadership and resource development has helped grow the program and increase collaboration with K-12 school partners.
• Amy Spitz, Assistant Professor, Learning Resources Division: Assistant Professor Spitz is recognized for strengthening student access through information literacy, research, and writing support. Through her work to modernize library resources and expand instruction, she has increased student engagement and faculty collaboration.

In June, the CSM Board of Trustees approved promotions for 14 faculty members. The promotions are recommended based on a rigorous evaluation of their classroom performance and student engagement, professional development, and service to the institution.

The following faculty members have received promotions to Professor and Associate Professor:

• Christopher Gransberry, Professor, School of Health Sciences
• Petita Rentz, Professor, School of Health Sciences
• AnnMarie Saunders, Professor, School of Liberal Arts
• Tamara Gibbs-Franklin, Professor, School of Liberal Arts
• Christine Schuette, Professor, School of Liberal Arts
• Ann Stine, Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Rachael Bateman, Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Carmen Cantemir-Stone, Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Melissa King, Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences
• Kandace Foreman, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Jeffrey Hunt, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Stephen Simeone, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Judith Horn, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
• Amos Dike, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies