On Aug. 11, faculty and institutional leaders gathered in the Drug Discovery Auditorium to celebrate the people whose talent, dedication and commitment bring MUSC’s mission to life every day.
The annual James W. Colbert Lectureship and Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony has long marked the beginning of a new academic year with a moment to come together as a university community. This gathering allows us to reflect on what has been accomplished, welcome new colleagues and recognize faculty whose contributions strengthen education, research, patient care and service across MUSC.
Michael G. Schmidt, Ph.D., present of the MUSC Faculty Senate, opened the program by welcoming those gathered and expressing gratitude to President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, for his years of dedicated leadership as the university looks ahead to a presidential transition. Dr. Schmidt also reminded the audience that while the afternoon celebrated a select group of honorees, the contributions of faculty throughout MUSC form the heartbeat of the institution.
Before turning to the faculty awards, the program celebrated another enduring part of the tradition: the James W. Colbert Lecture. A transplant surgeon and healthcare innovator, Joseph R. Scalea, M.D., MBA, director of Strategic Operations and Innovation at the MUSC Health Transplant Center, delivered a lecture titled “Four Reasons to Live: What Transplant Patients Teach Us About Human Potential,” drawing on years of experience at the intersection of medicine, discovery and human connection to explore what patients can teach those who care for them about resilience, purpose and human potential.
The Colbert family, whose continued generosity sustains the annual lectureship, joined the MUSC community for the occasion, helping carry forward the legacy of James W. Colbert Jr., M.D., MUSC’s first vice president for Academic Affairs.
Weaving together clinical observation and a deep belief in the capacity of the human spirit, Dr. Scalea created space within an academic celebration to reflect on the deeply human dimensions of healthcare. His message offered a renewed appreciation for the privilege of clinical work and for the resilience demonstrated by patients and families.
Introducing Dr. Scalea, John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, described his work as bringing together humanism, discovery and innovation in a way that shapes not only surgical practice but also how we understand leadership and purpose.
When talented people receive the support, recognition and opportunity to grow, the entire university moves forward.
For Dr. Marymont, who joined MUSC eight months ago and attended the ceremony for the first time, the celebration also offered an opportunity to recognize what he has come to see as one of MUSC’s greatest strengths: its faculty.
“Our faculty teach and mentor students, pursue discoveries that change lives, care for patients and communities, and support colleagues, often in ways few people see,” he said. “Every day, faculty turn MUSC’s mission into a reality.”
That appreciation for faculty, and for the ways colleagues recognize excellence in one another, carried directly into the awards presentation.
Forty-five faculty members served across this year’s award selection committees, giving their time, expertise and thoughtful consideration to the nominations of their peers. Seven faculty chaired those committees: Dusti L. Annan-Coultas, EdD; Elinor C. G. Borgert, Ph.D.; Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D.; Shannon D. Jones, EdD, MLS; Christine A. Holmstedt, DO; Teresa J. Kelechi, Ph.D.; and Michelle G. Nichols, Ph.D.
The depth and quality of the nominations and letters of support reflected something larger than the awards themselves: a community of colleagues who notice excellence, value one another’s contributions and take the time to celebrate work that makes a difference.
Across 10 award categories, 13 faculty members were recognized for exceptional contributions to teaching, scholarship, clinical care, population health and service. Joshua D. Marthers, senior manager of Enterprise Communications, emceed the awards presentation.
The final category of the evening, the Distinguished Faculty Service Award, drew particular attention. Unlike awards recognizing a specific achievement, this award honors the cumulative impact of a career: decades spent building programs, mentoring colleagues, strengthening the institution and South Carolina and generously sharing expertise and time. Each honoree took a moment to reflect not simply on personal accomplishment but on the colleagues, mentors, teams and communities who shaped their careers.
Dr. Christine Carr, reflected on the founding of MUSC’s first emergency department and the team whose belief, commitment and hard work made that milestone possible. Her remarks underscored that institutional progress is rarely the work of one person. It grows from people willing to believe in an idea, built something new and create opportunities for those who follow.
Dr. Patrick Flume turned the attention toward the passionate people in the Office of the Vice President for Research, as well as mentors and colleagues who helped elevate his career at every stage.
Dr. Teresa Kelechi reflected on the extraordinary faculty and staff who entrusted her with helping grow a research culture within the College of Nursing, a responsibility she carried with care throughout her career.
Together, their reflections captured much of what the afternoon celebrated: individual excellence made stronger through relationships, mentorship, collaboration and a shared investment in the success of others.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, president of the Medical University of South Carolina, that connected the achievements recognized to MUSC’s larger trajectory and its responsibility to the people it serves.
When we talk about MUSC’s momentum, talent and future, we are really talking about people like you — faculty who ask better questions, challenge assumptions, solve difficult problems and invest in others.
Dr. Cole emphasized that the collective work of MUSC’s faculty is what allows the institution to continue advancing its mission across South Carolina.
Following the ceremony, faculty and guests gathered for a reception, extending the opportunity to recognize honorees, reconnect with colleagues and celebrate the beginning of another academic year. It was a fitting conclusion to an afternoon centered on gratitude.
2026 MUSC Faculty Award honorees
The following faculty were honored at the 2026 James W. Colbert Lectureship and Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony.
Teaching Excellence Award in the category of Developing Teacher
Courtney Harris, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, has expanded learning opportunities across the continuum of medical education, including founding one of only 20 Transplant Infectious Diseases fellowship programs nationwide. A trusted mentor and advocate, she creates learner-centered environments that build critical thinking, confidence and clinical excellence.
Teaching Excellence Award in the category of Educator Lecturer
Ashley A. Duckett, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine, is recognized for transforming complex scientific concepts into meaningful learning experiences that connect evidence-based medicine with the experience of care. She helps learners build confidence, navigate the transition to practice and apply knowledge with empathy and skill.
Teaching Excellence Award in the category of Educator Mentor, Academic/Scholarship
Through bedside teaching, fellowship leadership and scholarly mentorship, Ryan J. Tedford, M.D., professor in the Division of Cardiology, has guided more than 60 trainees and junior faculty. His influence is evident in national presentations, publications, grants and careers shaped by his guidance.
Teaching Excellence Award in the category of Educator Mentor, Clinical/Professional
A nationally recognized leader in clinical coaching, Alice A. Walz, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, creates psychologically safe learning environments where trainees build confidence, reflect deeply and feel valued as people first. Her coaching program, faculty development curriculum and compassionate feedback have strengthened learners and clinical education across MUSC.
Commitment to Excellence in Interprofessional Education & Collaborative Practice Award
Dawn M. Terzulli, DNP, assistant professor in the College of Nursing, has advanced collaborative learning through simulated team-based, immersive virtual reality and emergency preparedness partnerships. Her leadership has prepared facilitators across colleges and shared MUSC’s work through scholarship and international presentations.
Developing Scholar Award in the category of Applied/Clinical Science
The scholarship of Adam H. Fox, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, advances lung cancer care by addressing gaps in biomarker testing, treatment access and care delivery. His leadership in MUSC’s reflex biomarker testing program is expanding equitable access to precision oncology diagnostics across South Carolina.
Developing Scholar Award in the category of Basic Science
The research of Amy C. Engevik, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, helps explain how the cells lining the gut and liver stay organized, pushing discovery toward better ways to understand and treat serious digestive and liver diseases. Her scholarship, national recognition and mentorship reflect the promise and purpose of this award.
Outstanding Clinician Award
Steven A. Kahn, M.D., professor in the Department of Surgery, has built a program defined by measurable excellence, national survival and patient-satisfaction rankings, surgical innovation and deeply coordinated interprofessional care. With compassion and a commitment to individualized recovery, he has improved outcomes for burn survivors while strengthening MUSC’s national leadership in burn care.
Peggy Schachte Research Mentor Award
With more than 150 mentees across his career, the mentorship of Don C. Rockey, M.D., Distinguished University Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, has produced tangible impact, including grant success, national recognition and scholarly growth across career stages. His approach is comprehensive, generous and rigorous, helping mentees grow as scientists, clinicians and academic leaders.
Population Health Award
The work of Amy A. Williams, DNP, associate professor in the College of Nursing, advances developmental and behavioral health for children and families across South Carolina through evidence-based models embedded in pediatric care and community settings. She has expanded access for underserved, immigrant and bilingual communities and helped scale successful programs statewide.
Distinguished Faculty Service Award
As founding medical director of MUSC’s first emergency department, Christine M. Carr, M.D., Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Public Health Sciences, helped build emergency medicine from the ground up into a nationally recognized program. Her leadership through the Carolina eHealth Alliance and Health Sciences South Carolina brought competing health systems together to share critical information, reduce duplication and improve coordination. Through preparedness, public health, mentorship and innovation, she has helped move MUSC and South Carolina forward.
Since joining MUSC in 1993, Patrick A. Flume, M.D., Distinguished University Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allery and Sleep Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, has built a career whose reach extends from bedside care to statewide research infrastructure and international standards of practice. He helped grow MUSC’s adult cystic fibrosis program into a regional and national leader, and his clinical trials work contributed to therapies that transformed cystic fibrosis care worldwide.
Across nearly four decades of service to MUSC, including more than 25 years as a faculty member, Teresa J. Kelechi, Ph.D., professor in the College of Nursing, has transformed nursing science into stronger systems of care. Through leadership as associate dean for research, department chair, interim dean and endowed chair, she has strengthened research infrastructure and elevated the College of Nursing’s national visibility.
Mack H. Altman III
Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives & Communications University Digital Strategy Officer Executive Director, Office of Microcredentials
Mack H. Altman III, MSDA, serves as assistant provost for Strategic Initiatives & Communications at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). In this role, he leads complex, high-impact initiatives that advance the priorities of the Provost and strengthen alignment across MUSC's academic enterprise. His work brings together executive coordination, stakeholder engagement, digital strategy, communications, marketing and operational discipline to help move strategic priorities from concept to implementation.
Altman has been charged with establishing MUSC's Office of Microcredentials, a university-level effort designed to expand access to flexible, workforce-aligned learning opportunities. Through this work, he is helping build the structure, standards, partnerships, and institutional coordination needed to support high-quality microcredential programs that respond to emerging needs across South Carolina's health sciences workforce. His approach reflects a commitment to connecting academic expertise with practical skill development in ways that serve learners, faculty, employers, and the communities MUSC supports.
Before advancing into higher education administration, Altman built more than two decades of experience in digital consulting, web development, technology strategy, data analytics, business development, and project management. His industry background includes founding and leading digital ventures, consulting with organizations on web and brand strategy, developing technology systems, guiding vendor relationships, and translating complex operational challenges into clear, actionable plans. That experience continues to shape his work at MUSC, where he focuses on building systems that improve access, usability, coordination, and long-term institutional effectiveness.
Altman holds a Master of Science in Data Analytics from Western Governors University and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy & Innovation from Capella University. His academic and professional interests center on the ways strategy, technology, data, and communication can help academic health sciences institutions adapt to changing workforce needs while improving the learner's experience.
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