Chemistry Professor wins 2023 COPLAC Award for impactful teaching

Dr. Catrena Lisse, chemistry professor and director of Georgia College & State University’s Science Education Center, has won the 2023 Charles Dunn Award from the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).

Dr. Eric Tenbus, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, called the honor well-deserved, saying Lisse continues to be a “tremendous ambassador” for Georgia College.

“We’re ecstatic for Dr. Lisse to have won the COPLAC’s Dunn award,” Tenbus said. “She fully represents the teacher-scholar model as a faculty member and has been a tireless proselytizer for science education throughout the region for many years.”

“We are so pleased that she represents the College of Arts and Sciences in her interactions with the area’s schools—whether running a statewide science fair or mentoring high school and possibly future GCSU students in our Young Scientists Academy in the summer,” he said.

Along with the distinction, Lisse was given a $500 cash prize.

The award is given in memory of the late Charles Dunn, former president of Henderson State University who appreciated the role faculty play in student success.

In giving Lisse the news, COPLAC Executive Director Cole Woodcox wrote: "Your work exemplifies the value of attending a place like Georgia College & State University. On behalf of the 30-member COPLAC Board of Directors, I wish to congratulate you on this recognition of your exceptional work to advance students' success at GCSU. Thank you for making a public liberal arts education so meaningful.”

Lisse got her Ph.D. at Georgia Institute of Technology and has taught at Georgia College since 2002. She is heavily involved in undergraduate research and community outreach. Through programs like the annual Chemistry Fair, STEMing into the Community and Young Scientists Academy—Lisse works tirelessly to break down barriers that impede historically underrepresented groups from higher education and STEM-related fields.

Lisse made accessibility in STEM-related fields a priority at GCSU and within the community. She also participates in a Leadership Development Affinity Group, Women in Science, which provides professional support and networking to women in STEM. She has mentored more than 60 undergraduate research students.

At Georgia College, Lisse also received the university’s Inclusive Excellence Award and, more recently, the Bobcat Award for Outstanding Service to Students.