Students Honor Outstanding Faculty at SGA Awards Reception

April 10, 2026

Faculty at the 2026 SGA Awards — From left: Dean Carroll Ann Trotman, Leonardo Nassani, Teddy Jackson, Becky Ma, Stephen Ritz, Catherine Arreaza, Rob Gardner, Kedith Sawangsri, Mark Morrison, James Brunie, James Stone, Sara Sutherland, Susan R. Mallery, Lisa Knobloch, Rachel Maynor, Deborah Alderton, Pilard Hanna, Denise Kissell, Irina Novopoltseva, Rachel Kearney, Olivia Bartholomew

The college’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its 33rd Annual Awards Reception to honor faculty nominated by our students. The students selected faculty who:

- Are always well-prepared;

- Offer feedback that helps them improve;

- Combine assessments with encouragement;

- Serve as role models;

- Bring experience and real answers to the table;

- And, most importantly, give their absolute best to ensure that every student succeeds.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners. Below are the faculty members who were honored.

2026 SGA Teaching Award Winners

Dental Hygiene Class of 2027

Didactic
Denise Kissell, BSDH, MPH
Clinical
Deborah Alderton, BS, MSDH, RDH, EFDA

Dental Hygiene Class of 2026

Didactic
Irina Novopoltseva, BSAS, MS, RDH
Clinical
Deborah Alderton, BS, MSDH, RDH, EFDA

Dental Class of 2029

Didactic
Pilard Hanna, PhD
Pre-Clinic
Mark Morrison, DDS

Dental Class of 2028

Didactic
Lisa Knobloch, DDS, MS
Pre-Clinic
James Stone, DDS
Leonardo Nassani, DMD, MBA, MS

Dental Class of 2027

Didactic
Susan R. Mallery, DDS, PhD
Clinic
Leonardo Nassani, DMD, MBA, MS
Stephen Ritz, DDS

Dental Class of 2026

Didactic
Susan R. Mallery, DDS, PhD

Specialty
Sara Sutherland, DMD, MS
Kedith Sawangsri, DDS, MS

Part-time Clinic
Stephen Ritz, DDS
James Brunie, DDS

Full-time Clinic
Rob Gardner, DDS
Teddy Jackson, DMD
James Stone, DDS
Catherine Arreaza, DDS

Classes of 2026 and 2027

Honorary Residents
Rachel Maynor, DDS
Becky Ma, DDS
Olivia Bartholomew, DDS