NEW ORLEANS – Jennifer Schroeder Tyson, Lecturer in the Departments of Kinesiology and Public Health, at Appalachian State University, has been named the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year.
The annual award recognizes a faculty member from one Sun Belt institution who has a passion for teaching, engaging and inspiring students, while also separating themselves from their peers outside the classroom by regularly supporting and displaying enthusiasm for student-athletes and the athletics department.
Each of the 14 Sun Belt Conference institutions nominated a Faculty Member of the Year finalist for the 2024-25 academic year. The conference’s Faculty Athletics Representatives, Student-Athlete Academic Directors and members of the Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) voted to select the overall recipient. The conference initiated the Sun Belt Faculty Member of the Year Award in 2019.
Tyson and each of the finalists will be recognized at the Sun Belt Conference Honors Banquet in conjunction with the Sun Belt Fall Meetings on October 16, 2025 in Atlanta.
"We are honored to recognize these educators for their immeasurable impact on the lives of our student-athletes," said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill. "We look forward to celebrating Dr. Schroeder Tyson and each of this year's finalists at the Sun Belt Honors Banquet during our Fall Meetings."
A lecturer at App State since 2016, Tyson currently serves on the faculty of the Public Health Program at App State and Tec de Monterrey in Mexico. Her research centers on disaster preparedness and public health infrastructure in maternal and child populations, particularly in rural Appalachian communities.
Tyson’s involvement with students during the 2024-25 academic year included coordinating a cohort of internships centered on the Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery initiative. Multiple student-athletes participated, contributing to emergency preparedness assessments, community health education, and recovery planning.
Their roles were pivotal in gathering post-disaster data, supporting affected families, and building resilience strategies in partnership with local leaders. The experiences allowed them to see firsthand the importance of public health infrastructure in times of crisis.
“What I love most about working with student-athletes is their ability to lead and inspire others,” Tyson said. “They often bring a team-oriented mindset into the classroom, elevating group work and fostering a sense of camaraderie among their peers. Whether they are presenting on campus mental health, organizing wellness fairs, or developing outreach campaigns for underserved populations, their energy is infectious, and their leadership is palpable.”
Tyson describes her experiences with student-athletes as “nothing short of robust, dynamic and deeply rewarding.” She takes pride in creating experiential learning opportunities for all students while being mindful of the unique needs and schedules of student-athletes.
“What truly sets her apart is her authenticity,” App State volleyball outside hitter Cierra Huntley said. “She is approachable, easy to talk to, and always finds time to support her students—whether academically, personally, or by showing up to cheer on App State athletics. She embodies what it means to be an engaged and inspiring faculty member.”
Additionally, Tyson is the Principal Investigator of the Appalachian Public Health Innovation Lab — a program she helped secure over $1.1 million in funding to launch and expand. The lab includes nationally recognized programs such as AmeriCorps and Medical Reserve Corps. She also operates as a public health consultant through her firm, JSTrategies, LLC, where she continues to apply her expertise to drive equitable public health outcomes.
“I approach my work with humor, enthusiasm, and a student-centered mindset,” Tyson said. I strive to be the kind of professor who students can count on for guidance, encouragement, and real-world preparation. Supporting student-athletes in their public health journey has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career, and I look forward to continuing to help them thrive, both on the field and in the field of public health.”
2025 Sun Belt Faculty Member of the Year Finalists
Dr. Valerie Hilson
Arkansas State University
Assistant Professor, Health Phys. Ed. and Sport Sciences
Dr. Chelsea Kaunert-Whiteman
Coastal Carolina University
Associate Professor, Recreation & Sport Management
Weikang “Ken” Wang
Georgia Southern University
Lecturer, Management
Dr. Gerald Gay
Georgia State University
Department Chair and Professor, Finance
Dr. Sharlene Richards
James Madison University
Professor, Communications
Dr. Gayle George
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Instructor, Management
Dr. Joshua Gann
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Associate Professor, Kinesiology
Dr. Gary McIlvain
Marshall University
Associate Dean of Student Affairs, College of Health Professions
Dr. Shannon Wells
Old Dominion University
Master Lecturer, Oceanography and Physics
Dr. Jenny Arras
University of South Alabama
Instructor, English
Dr. Jonathon Stavres
University of Southern Mississippi
Assistant Professor, Kinesiology and Nutrition
Kelly Mosel-Talavera
Texas State University
Professor of Instruction, Sociology
Dr. Heather Lewis
Troy University
Associate Professor, Hospitality, Sport & Tourism Management