NSU announces 2025 Circle of Excellence recipients

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University has announced the 2025 Circle of Excellence Award honorees.

NSU faculty members were nominated by their peers in one of three categories: teaching, research and service. A selection committee of past honorees selected one nominee in each category for this recognition.

“Oftentimes, the work of a professor goes unnoticed, and our Circle of Excellence Awards are one opportunity we have to publicly recognize faculty accomplishments,” Dr. Carla Swearingen, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said. “It is important to recognize people for their work, and we have so many wonderful faculty at NSU who faithfully teach, research and serve the institution.  I only wish we had more awards to give out!”

The 2025 Circle of Excellence Award honorees are: Dr. Sarah Ramsey for teaching, Dr. Elizabeth Melles for research and Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel for service.

Ramsey is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction in reading at NSU. She has served as chair for the READ Program since 2020. Ramsey is certified in structured literacy approaches, including Orton-Gillingham methodologies. She also maintains a professional private practice as a reading specialist and a consultant for dyslexic and struggling readers.

Melles is an associate professor and the chair of the Department of Psychology and Counseling. She serves as co-chair for the Oklahoma Psychological Association's Division of Research and Training. Her research interests include postpartum intrusive thoughts and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to teaching and conducting research, she is a licensed psychologist in the state of Oklahoma and sees clients part-time in her private practice in Tahlequah.

Van Den Handel is an assistant professor of political science, specializing in comparative politics, international relations and women’s studies. She also serves as program coordinator for the political science program and has taught at NSU for 15 years. Van Den Handel earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in international studies and a Ph.D. in comparative and world politics from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California.

“At NSU, we are fortunate to have such dedicated faculty members,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “Our educators contribute to fostering a campus environment that encourages academic and professional excellence, shaping the future of higher education in the northeast Oklahoma region. It is an honor to recognize our faculty members for their invaluable contributions to NSU.”

Each Circle of Excellence honoree receives a $2,500 award, which may be accepted as a check or applied toward professional development. The Office of Academic Affairs and the NSU Foundation provide support for this award.

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