Northeastern State University announces 2026 Circle of Excellence honorees

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) is proud to announce the honorees of the 2026 Circle of Excellence. This award recognizes faculty who demonstrate dedication and inspire others to achieve excellence through their contributions in education and leadership.

Three NSU faculty were recognized in the following categories of teaching, research and service. Honorees were selected through peer nominations, with a committee of past recipients choosing one faculty member in each category.

Dr. Carla Swearingen, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, reflected on the significance of recognizing faculty excellence.

“At its core, being a faculty member encompasses three major roles: teaching students in their discipline, research and scholarly activity to advance the field, and institutional and professional service,” Swearingen said. “When we highlight the good work these faculty members do and honor them publicly, we lift up the primary role of education at our institution.”

The 2026 Circle of Excellence Award honorees are: Dr. Elizabeth Waring for teaching, Dr. Nnamdi S. Ekesi for research and Dr. Justin T. McBride for service.

Waring is an associate professor of biology and has served NSU for seven years. She teaches introductory and upper-level courses in biology and serves as program chair for the Freshwater Sciences program. A plant ecophysiologist, her research focuses on plant ecology, freshwater systems and environmental change. A leader in experiential science education, she engages students in hands-on, field-based learning. She was named a 2025 DaVinci Institute Creativity in Education Fellow and is known for her work with the River Field Studies Network.

Ekesi is an assistant professor of biology and has taught at NSU for five years. He is a molecular and cellular biologist who completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for Toxicological Research. His research spans microbiology, immunology and molecular biology, with a focus on infectious disease, gut health and antimicrobial resistance. He integrates diverse approaches to understanding complex biological systems and advances prevention and treatment strategies. His students frequently present research at conferences and symposiums and often earn recognition for their contributions to biology and biomedical sciences.

McBride is an associate professor in the Department of Language and Literature and has been an NSU faculty member for 11 years. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation and former language director for the Kaw Nation, McBride has been involved in Indigenous language revitalization efforts since 2001. He has served as a language consultant for tribal organizations and independent projects focused on American Indian language research, teaching, materials and curriculum planning. He currently serves as the coordinator of the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program in Broken Arrow.

“Faculty excellence is at the heart of our mission,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “Drs. Waring, Ekesi and McBride exemplify the dedication, innovation and service that define NSU. Their impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping student success and strengthening our academic community.”

Each faculty honoree of the Circle of Excellence receives $2,500 that 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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