FMU Faculty Recognized at 2025-2026 Awards Ceremony

Pictured left to right are Dr. Nathan Harness, Dr. Erica Johnson, FMU President Fred Carter, Dr. Karen Fries, and Dr. Allison Munn.

Francis Marion University recognized four faculty members for their outstanding work during the university’s annual faculty awards night at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence.

Dr. Allison Munn, Associate Professor of Nursing, was awarded the Charlene Wages Shared Governance Award by the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors. This award is given to a faculty member who has made substantial contributions to shared governance at the university.

Munn joined the faculty of Francis Marion in 2015. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clemson University in 2001 and her Ph.D. in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016.

Three faculty members were honored for their outstanding individual work during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Nathan Harness, Assistant Professor of Biology, received the Award for Excellence in Teaching; Dr. Erica Johnson, Associate Professor of History, was honored with the Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship; and Dr. Karen Fries, Professor of Education, received the Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Harness received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Missouri in 2018.

Johnson earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2005, her Master of Arts in History from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007, and her Ph.D. in History from Florida State University in 2012.

Fries received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University in 1995, her Master of Science in Special Education from the University at Albany, State University of New York in 2000, and her Ph.D. in Special Education from The Pennsylvania State University in 2013.

Five retiring faculty members were also recognized and named Professor Emeriti during the event. They are Dr. Deborah Hopla, Dr. V. Scott Kaufman, Professor Travis Knowles, Dr. Kay Lawrimore-Belanger, and Cindy Miller-Price.