News

Carole Collier Frick, PhD, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Outstanding Faculty Award for Commitment to Student Success.

The awards were established in 2023 by the Provosts from each OVC member institution to recognize outstanding faculty at each OVC member institution, who make a lasting impact on students both inside and outside the classroom. Frick was honored alongside fellow recipients during the recent OVC Basketball Championship.

“I am honored to be recognized for my work with students, and especially the young women of the SIUE Division 1 women’s basketball team. It was a pleasure to share my area of historical research with them, both in the classroom on campus and on our summertime Study Abroad Italy trip,” said Carole Collier Frick, PhD, professor of history. “Having the opportunity to travel with these stellar and enthusiastic athletes, and to be on site in Rome, Tuscany, Venice and even in the marble mines of the Apuan Alps (where Michelangelo quarried the marble for his Pieta some 500 years ago), was a highlight of my experience as a professor of history. Thank you for this award!”

Each OVC member institution had the opportunity to nominate a faculty member with the rank of associate or full-time professor who has been employed at the institution for at least five years.

“I am incredibly proud of the success of our student-athletes. Their accomplishments in the classroom are worthy of celebration, and this OVC award recognizes that our student-athletes’ accomplishments are made possible by the deep investment and commitment of our faculty. I am thrilled to honor Dr. Carole Frick for her work in engaging, supporting, and developing our student-athletes.  What an incredible experience for our women’s basketball team to be able to learn alongside Dr. Frick!  She is a tremendous model of an outstanding teacher-scholar and university contributor,” said Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “I also want to acknowledge all of the faculty members nominated by our student-athletes. Our students are grateful and enriched by their experiences in learning with faculty members dedicated to their disciplines and to their students in such extraordinary ways,”

The criteria included impacts of students, contributions made to the department, university and curriculum development, consistent professional development as well as community involvement and institutional service.

“What sets Professor Frick apart is how much she cares for her students even after the course has ended. Over the years, she has continued to support her past students, showing a genuine interest in their lives and success,” said Macy Silvey, a senior marketing major and student-athlete on SIUE women’s basketball.

She adds, “Professor Frick’s dedication to her students, her passion for teaching, and her willingness to support students throughout the years make her an outstanding faculty member. She has had a meaningful impact on those who have had the privilege of learning from her, and I believe she is strongly deserving of this recognition.”

“Dr. Frick was instrumental in our program’s first foreign tour in the Summer of 2023. Her support for our women’s basketball program has been incredible,” said Samantha Quigley Smith, SIUE women’s basketball head coach. “There aren’t many individuals you feel you ‘absolutely, positively NEED’ on a trip of that magnitude, Dr. Frick is certainly one of them!”

SIUE Award Nominees
In collaboration with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), student-athletes take the lead in nominating faculty for the award. Additional SIUE faculty nominees for this year’s award include:  

• Dr. Aidan Ferguson, Assistant Professor, Social Work
• Dr. Anushiya Ramaswamy, Professor, English
• Dr. Kevin Tucker, Associate Professor, Chemistry

Frick’s recognition showcases SIUE’s commitment to teaching excellence and its deep investment in student-centered learning. SIUE proudly congratulates Dr. Frick and all the 2026 OVC honorees for their remarkable contributions to student success.

PHOTO: Cherese Fine, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and SIUE’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Carole Collier Frick, PhD, and Provost Cobb, PhD