Faculty members Taylor, Wissner honored with USG teaching, research excellence awards

August 25, 2026

Two senior Columbus State University educators—Dr. Kerri Taylor and Dr. Reba Wissner—were among the University System of Georgia faculty honored last Saturday at the 2026 USG Foundation annual black-tie gala.

The Regents’ Awards are the highest honors given for outstanding teaching and advising across the state’s public college and university system. Of the six faculty awards presented at the Aug. 22 gala, two went to Columbus State faculty.

“These awards speak directly to the exceptional faculty caliber and transformative classroom experience students can expect at Columbus State,” explained Dr. Dustin Anderson (pictured, center), Columbus State’s provost and chief academic officer. “Dr. Kerri Taylor and Dr. Reba Wissner embody our commitment to pairing deep academic rigor with genuine student mentorship. They exemplify how our dedicated faculty lead students to engage in hands-on, groundbreaking learning. Kerri and Reba both highlight the constant innovation that prepares our students to become persistent problem-solvers.”

Dr. Kerri Taylor, Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award

Taylor (pictured, right), a professor in the Department of Chemistry and a Columbus State faculty member since 2016, received the system’s 2026 Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award. It recognizes a faculty member’s dedication, expertise and impact, along with a proven commitment to academic excellence. 

In awarding this honor to Taylor, the USG highlighted her dedication to exceptional teaching and mentorship. They emphasized her innovative, equity-driven methods that improve academic quality and actively involve students in STEM fields. She has created accessible tools for visually impaired students and has effectively helped many secure fellowships, publish research and progress toward their career and graduate school ambitions.

Her leadership has also transformed the university’s annual Tower Day research conference into a dynamic celebration of student achievements.

The award is named after the late USG Regent Dr. Felton Jenkins, honoring his dedication to the mission of the University System of Georgia and his exemplary service to others.

Dr. Reba Wissner, Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Award

Wissner (pictured, left) was one of two recipients of the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Award. This award honors faculty members who rigorously investigate teaching and learning and contribute to improving student learning through public, peer-reviewed, and impactful scholarly work. A Columbus State faculty member since 2020, Wisner is an associate professor of musicology in the Schwob School of Music. She also serves as interim associate dean of the Honors College and as director of the university’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program. 

Her nomination highlights her innovative teaching methods in public musicology, grounded in scholarship of teaching and learning research. Her numerous peer-reviewed publications showcase her dedication to improving student learning. She is focused on creating a signature pedagogy for public musicology through community-engaged learning and authentic assessments. Moreover, her participation on editorial boards and her influence via national and regional workshops underscore her dedication to advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning.

For more information on all the awards bestowed at the USG Foundation Gala, visit the USG website.

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Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR