The College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees has awarded tenure and promotions to 20 faculty members in recognition of their excellence in teaching, service, and commitment to student success.
Tenure status recognizes faculty who demonstrate sustained excellence in teaching and service while supporting students’ academic journeys. In May, Dr. Bernice Brezina, vice president of the Division of Learning, recommended six faculty members for tenure to the Board of Trustees. These individuals met or exceeded the standards set forth in the tenure review policy established jointly by college administrators and the Faculty Senate.
Dr. Brezina noted that the tenured professors embody CSM’s strategic goals of expanding access, building momentum, and strengthening mobility. “Tenure recognizes faculty who have demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, service, and student support,” she said. “These faculty members have made significant contributions to their programs, their colleagues, and the students they serve. Their commitment strengthens the educational experience at CSM and helps advance the college’s mission.”
The following faculty members have been awarded tenure:
Seth Bacon, Professor, School of Liberal Arts — Chair of the Faculty Innovation Committee, recognized for expanding service learning and undergraduate research, supporting Early College students, and strengthening student engagement.
Heather Bougher, Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts — Recognized for developing new general education courses and the associate degree in art, as well as strengthening faculty mentorship, advising, and student engagement.
Elizabeth (Beth) Caruso, Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts — English Coordinator and co-chair of the Dual Enrollment Professional Learning Committee, recognized for strengthening program quality, faculty engagement, and the success of Early College students.
Pamela Burkett-Jones, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies — Criminal Justice coordinator, recognized for supporting program growth, improving scheduling, expanding student access, and supporting student success through mentorship, internships, and community engagement.
Heather Collins, Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies — Math dual enrollment coordinator, recognized for supporting student success through tutoring access and course innovation, as well as growing the program and increasing collaboration with K-12 partners.
Amy Spitz, Assistant Professor, Learning Resources Division — Recognized for strengthening student access through information literacy, research, and writing support, modernizing library resources, and expanding instruction and faculty collaboration.
In June, the CSM Board of Trustees approved promotions for 14 faculty members. Promotions are recommended based on rigorous evaluation of classroom performance, student engagement, professional development, and service to the institution.
The following faculty members have received promotions:
To Professor: Christopher Gransberry and Petita Rentz, School of Health Sciences; AnnMarie Saunders, Tamara Gibbs-Franklin, and Christine Schuette, School of Liberal Arts; Ann Stine, Rachael Bateman, and Carmen Cantemir-Stone, School of STEM and Professional Studies.
To Associate Professor: Melissa King, School of Health Sciences; Kandace Foreman, Jeffrey Hunt, Stephen Simeone, Judith Horn, and Amos Dike, School of STEM and Professional Studies.
These recognitions highlight the depth of talent and dedication among CSM faculty. Tenure and promotion processes ensure that faculty members who consistently excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the college community are acknowledged and supported.
The College of Southern Maryland serves students across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Faculty excellence directly impacts the quality of education and support available to students pursuing associate degrees, workforce training, and transfer opportunities.
The awards reflect CSM’s ongoing commitment to student success and institutional strength. Faculty who achieve tenure and promotion play key roles in shaping academic programs, mentoring colleagues, and engaging with the broader community.
As CSM continues to evolve, the contributions of these faculty members will help advance the college’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for success in their careers and further education.
Residents of Southern Maryland can take pride in the accomplishments of CSM faculty, whose work strengthens educational opportunities in the region. The college remains focused on meeting the needs of students and the community through dedicated teaching and service.
