The Dwight L. Freshley Outstanding New Teacher Award honors Southern States Communication Association members who have demonstrated teaching excellence early in their careers. Nominations, including self-nominations are invited. Nominees must teach courses in communication and have taught full- time for at least two and not more than five years. All nominees must be SSCA members in good standing.
The person selected will be honored with a plaque and complimentary tickets to the Association Award Luncheon, where the award will be presented.
2025 – Rebecca Leech, University of Arkansas
2024 – Sasha Sanders, University of North Texas
2023 – Piyawan Charoensap-Kelly, Southern Methodist University
2022 – Crystal Daugherty, Northern Kentucky University
2021 – Matthew L. Spialek, University of Arkansas
2020 – Caroline E. Sawyer, University of South Carolina Beaufort
2019 – Aubrey Huber, University of South Florida
2018 – Melody Lehn, Sewanee: The University of the South
2017 – Shanshan Lou
2016 – Ryan McGeough
2015 – Mary Beth Asbury
2014 – Siobhan Smith, University of Louisville
2013 – David Terry, San Jose State University
2012 – Casey Malone Maugh, University of Southern Mississippi – Gulf Coast
2011 – Minsun Shim, University of Georgia
2010 – Lora B. Helvie-Mason, Southern University at New Orleans
2009 – Deborah Cunningham Walker, Coastal Carolina University
2008 – Monica Pombo, Appalachian State University
2007 – Billy Wooten, Berea College
2006 – Marcyrose Chvasta, University of South Florida
2005 – Daryl W. Wiesman, Clemson University
2004 – Kandi L. Walker, University of Louisville
2003 – No Award Given
2002 – Frances Brandau, Sam Houston State University
2001 – Melanie Morgan, University of Louisville
2000 – Vanessa Beasley, Texas A & M University
1999 – Karla K. Jensen, Texas Tech University
1998 – Charla Markhum Shaw, University of Texas, Arlington
1997 – None given
1996 – Carl M. Cates, Valdosta State University
1995 – Enrique D. Rigsby, Texas A & M University
