Faculty and staff from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences were recognized at this year’s USF Faculty Honors and Awards Reception on April 14.
Shelly Wagers, PhD, associate professor of criminology, received the Outstanding Research Achievement Award, celebrating faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievement in research and creative activities. Wagers’s advancement of BRIGHT, an interdisciplinary research and technology system integrating human-centered design and real-time analytics, has transformed anti-trafficking services, generated novel longitudinal data and elevated USF’s role in applied research innovation.
Jerome Galea, PhD, LCSW, online MSW program chair and associate professor in the School of Social Work, received a USF World-sponsored Excellence in Global Research Award. Galea was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the university’s global research efforts in 2025 and was selected from a record number of highly competitive submissions. Galea's research focuses on global mental health and implementation science. Through internationally collaborative projects, digital innovation and long‑standing partnerships in Latin America, Africa and global policy institutions, Galea has measurably expanded access to evidence‑based mental health care.
Matthew Foster, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies, received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award. This award recognizes faculty members who have made significant contributions to the development of undergraduate research skills and the mentorship of undergraduate researchers. These faculty members have been instrumental in guiding students through the research process, from identifying research questions to presenting their findings at the USF Undergraduate Research conferences and other scholarly events.
Shelly Wagers with USF President Moez Limayem
Jerome Galea with USF President Moez Limayem
Matthew Foster with USF President Moez Limayem
Renee Poteet, MBA, an academic advisor in the Department of Criminology, received the New Undergraduate Academic Advisor Award, and Justine Leigh, MSW, former academic advisor in the School of Social Work, received the Advising Leadership Award. Both Leigh and Poteet have demonstrated the impact that effective academic advising can have on undergraduate student success.
Renee Poteet with USF President Moez Limayem
Justine Leigh USF President Moez Limayem
The reception also honored emeritus and retiring faculty members for their years of service, including emeritus faculty members Iraida Carrion, PhD, LCSW; Kathleen Heide, PhD, and Don Kincaid, EdD; and retired faculty member Lori Rogovin, MSW.