Teaching Excellence Awards

​2025 Teaching Excellence Award Recipients 

Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

Dr. John Michael Mehaffey is a dedicated educator, mentor and livestock specialist who has been shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders since joining the faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University in fall 2012. With a deep-rooted passion for animal science and livestock production, Mehaffey brings both academic knowledge and hands-on experience to the classroom, enriching the learning environment for his students. 

Mehaffey teaches a variety of animal science courses, including introductory animal science, livestock anatomy and physiology, processing and products, swine production, and multiple poultry science courses. He also plays a key role in advising both the SFA Swine Center and the Poultry Research Center. 

One of Mehaffey’s primary focus areas is poultry production and research, with a particular interest in improving bird health, performance and management practices. Under his guidance, students engage in hands-on experiences involving flock management, nutrition and biosecurity protocols to gain a comprehensive understanding of commercial and small-scale poultry operations. 

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Mehaffey serves as the faculty advisor for Alpha Gamma Rho, a professional and social fraternity that promotes leadership, scholarship and service among students pursuing careers in agriculture. Beyond his role at the university, Mehaffey serves on the Nacogdoches County Youth Livestock Association committee, volunteering at local jackpot shows and judging livestock competitions across the region

College of Liberal and Applied Arts  

Dr. Juan Carlos Ureña, professor of Spanish, has taught undergraduate and graduate courses and mentored many students to become teachers and university educators. He also has taken hundreds of students on study abroad trips to Costa Rica, Spain and Brazil. 

Prior to joining Stephen F. Austin State University, Ureña taught music in Costa Rica for 10 years and bilingual education in Texas for nine years. Additionally, Ureña is a Costa Rican performer, composer and songwriter who has recorded 11 albums of original music and has contributed songs to numerous music collections in the United States, Latin America and Europe, including the Putumayo World Music, and Papaya Music labels. 

Ureña studied music in Costa Rica before earning a Master of Arts in music composition from SFA and a doctorate in Hispanic studies from Texas A&M University. He has published extensively on poetry, music and cultural studies, including the book "Trovar" and the poetry collection "Siempre al final, ceniza y agua." His academic and artistic work has been shared through papers and concerts across the U.S., Latin America and Europe, and he brings this interdisciplinary approach into his teaching.

College of Sciences and Mathematics  

Dr. Brittney Falahola is a dedicated mathematician and educator who serves as an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. She earned her Master of Science and doctorate in mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied commutative algebra. Prior to that, she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Baylor University. 

Since joining Stephen F. Austin State University in 2017, Falahola has taught a diverse range of mathematics courses, including “Precalculus,” “Calculus I,” “Abstract Algebra” and “Research Methods” for STEM education majors in the JacksTeach program. Her passion for innovative teaching is evident in her implementation of standards-based grading and her participation in professional development programs such as the Mathematical Association of America’s Project NExT. The most rewarding aspect of Falahola's work as an educator is building connections with her students and contributing — even in small ways — to their academic journey. She finds immense joy in watching them gain confidence as they master concepts they once thought were beyond their reach. She encourages students to embrace challenges, not only in mathematics but in life as well.

James I. Perkins College of Education 

Dr. J. Lindsey Kennon is an assistant professor of deaf education and assistant chair of special education. Kennon is passionate about ensuring equitable education for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and students with disabilities, who are often overlooked and marginalized, and advocates for inclusive practices that address the unique needs of all learners. 

Prior to joining the Stephen F. Austin State University in 2008, Kennon taught pre-K-12 deaf education. She received her Doctorate of Education in developmental education with an emphasis in postsecondary d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing students from Sam Houston State University. She earned her Master of Education in educational leadership and a Bachelor of Science in hearing impairment from SFA. 

Kennon uses innovative teaching methods that emphasize experiential learning through real-world experiences and diverse pedagogical approaches. She integrates hands-on fieldwork with school districts and deaf education programs, utilizes technology to enhance learning, and prioritizes American Sign Language as a natural language for d/Deaf children. Her approach fully prepares future teachers of the deaf for the field’s complexities. Additionally, she is recognized for excellence in online course design and actively contributes to professional development, supporting both student growth and the advancement of teaching practices in deaf education.

Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts 

Dr. Samantha M. Inman is an associate professor of music theory who joined Stephen F. Austin State University in 2017. She serves as theory coordinator and teaches a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate classes in the School of Music. 

A certified online instructor, Inman has designed and delivered multiple online courses. SFA’s Center for Teaching and Learning recognized one of these courses in 2021 with the Award for Excellence in Online Course Design. 

Inman’s research specialties include form, 18th century music, modern wind literature, Christian congregational song and music theory pedagogy. A significant portion of her teaching entails mentoring student research, including honors projects, term papers and master’s theses. 

Inman finds training students to produce scholarship rewarding. Her students’ topics have spanned a wide array of genres and time periods, challenging her to constantly grow in learning new analytic tools and repertoires. 

Inman serves on the editorial boards of Music Theory Online and the Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy. She is committed to serving her students and institution with excellence, and is grateful to be recognized for her teaching.

Nelson Rusche College of Business 

Dr. Derek Walton is an assistant professor of management and marketing in the Nelson Rusche College of Business. 

Walton believes it is a privilege to teach, mentor and help shape the next generation of sport business professionals. His teaching philosophy is built on two key principles: authentic learning and genuine care for the student. Walton strives to provide real-world experiences that connect classroom concepts to the sport industry while fostering an environment where students feel valued and supported. 

Since joining Stephen F. Austin State University in fall 2022, Walton’s goal has been to create an engaging and meaningful learning environment where students are valued and leave his class not just with new knowledge but also with confidence, critical thinking skills and a passion for learning.

Faculty Senate Representative 

Dr. Amy Mehaffey, lecturer in the Nelson Rusche College of Business’ Department of Management and Marketing, teaches undergraduate marketing courses and is a reputable marketing professional, educator and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of combined experience in digital marketing, branding and communications. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University. She earned a Master of Science in agricultural communications, doctorate in youth development and certificate in marketing and nonprofit management from Texas A&M University. 

Mehaffey has worked for the State 4-H Headquarters and the City of Nacogdoches. She also started her own business, Small Town Socials, in 2010. 

Her recent standout teaching initiatives include organizing a March Madness-style competition in her “International Marketing” course, using Billy Joel’s 'We Didn’t Start the Fire' to explore historical events across decades, and regularly incorporating experiential learning projects.

Teaching Excellence Award Recipients from Previous Years