The College of Southern Maryland has named four professors to endowed distinguished faculty positions for the 2026-2029 term, recognizing their contributions to teaching, leadership development and community-focused initiatives across the college’s campuses.
The Endowed Distinguished Faculty program selects faculty members through a peer review process to lead efforts in specific priority areas. Appointees serve three-year terms and are charged with developing programs that support the college’s goals in leadership, innovation, equity and mentorship. The latest group begins transitioning into their roles this summer.
Credit: College of Southern Maryland
Dr. Mary Beth Klinger, who has taught business courses at CSM for more than 25 years, was named Distinguished Faculty for the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership. The center, which opened in 2019 and is named for the longtime Maryland Senate president, focuses on building inclusive community engagement through education and civic responsibility. Klinger, a recipient of multiple teaching awards including the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award, will chair the center and support initiatives such as the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Leadership Academy. The academy is open to all CSM students seeking to build leadership and communication skills while contributing to community service.
Klinger said the appointment aligns with her belief that leadership development should emphasize ethical decision-making and civic responsibility. She plans to work with students, faculty and community partners to expand opportunities for informed civic engagement and professional growth.
In the area of innovation, Dr. Tracey Stuller, a tenured biology professor and veterinarian with more than 20 years in higher education, was appointed Endowed Faculty for Innovation. Stuller is known for incorporating hands-on learning and connecting classroom work to real-world applications through environmental and community partnerships. In her new role she will strengthen workforce development and innovation programs by collaborating with industry, federal partners and local organizations. Plans include hosting workshops, lectures and events focused on entrepreneurship, technology and STEM opportunities for students.
Stuller described the position as an opportunity to build stronger links between student learning and the resources available in Southern Maryland. She said she aims to create practical experiences that prepare students for careers while addressing regional needs.
Christopher Ankney, professor of writing and literature and an award-winning poet whose work has appeared in publications including Boston Review and Pleiades, was named the Dr. Maureen Murphy Distinguished Professor for Equity in Education. The position was established in 2022 by CSM’s fifth president to engage the college community in examining and improving equity in education. Ankney will focus on identifying and reducing barriers that affect students, faculty and staff, including food and housing insecurity, mental health challenges and physical impairments.
Ankney said creating fair learning environments requires intentional curriculum and programming that recognizes each person’s right to learn without unaddressed obstacles. During the appointment he will host an annual public lecture on equity topics and support professional development for faculty.
English Professor John Kulikowski was appointed Endowed Distinguished Professor for Mentorship. Kulikowski currently serves as program coordinator for CSM’s FIRST Faculty training program and chair of the Faculty Mentoring Committee. In the new role he will work with faculty leaders to design and implement mentorship programs aimed at supporting professional development at all career stages and fostering a sense of belonging across the college community.
Kulikowski said effective mentoring can improve faculty success both inside and outside the classroom while strengthening the overall campus culture. He plans to build on existing programs and introduce new efforts to help faculty deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction that supports retention and success.
The four appointees will serve through 2029. Their work is expected to support CSM’s broader mission of providing accessible education and workforce development opportunities throughout Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The college has long emphasized faculty excellence as a foundation for student achievement and community impact.
