The Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation honors the University of South Carolina’s most exceptional faculty who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to best teaching practices and an ongoing record of developing innovative strategies to enhance student learning in their courses. Six recipients received this year’s award and are to be commended for their accomplishments. These honorees will be profiled over the next few months in UofSC communications, with formal recognition at the Garnet Apple Awards Reception.

Tia Andersen College of Arts and Sciences Criminology and Criminal Justice Associate Professor Tia Andersen had a significant impact on the community through experiential learning opportunities, problem-based learning and team-learning experiences, specifically her work with at-risk youth and an adolescent mentoring program.
Patricia Fabel College of Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Science Clinical Associate Professor Patricia Fabel emphasized community pharmacy practice and a team-based learning approach via distance education to stimulate and enhance student learning.
Naomi Falk College of Arts and Sciences School of Visual Art and Design Assistant Professor Naomi Falk partnered with faculty from around the country to create a website to share innovative and relevant studio art open source resources.  She also collaborated with UofSC faculty in other disciplines for art projects.
Samuel McQuillin College of Arts and Sciences Psychology Associate Professor and Director of School of Psychology Ph.D. Program Samuel McQuillin used media and technology to increase engagement and empower service-learning and experiential learning opportunities for students. He also incorporated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles into his curriculum.
Brian Mihalik College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management School of Hospitality and Tourism Management & Department of Sport & Entertainment William McFall “Mac” Pearce Professor Brian Mihalik integrated 360° video in his curriculum. His students are able to “visit” global tourism and Olympic legacy destinations via virtual technologies.
Shanna Williams UofSC School of Medicine – Greenville Biomedical Sciences Clinical Associate Professor Shanna Williams created Anatomy Boot Camps (ABCs) – which combined reciprocal peer teaching with more traditional peer teaching. The ABC activities promote collaboration between 1st year medical school students and 4th year medical school students in creative and engaging ways.

The 2021 Garnet Apple Awards winners have successfully adapted and built upon cutting-edge best teaching practices in their courses. They have shown that they are highly creative and effective in developing new course materials, classroom methods or pedagogical approaches. We thank this year's winners for their contributions to the university.