Dr. Cindy Cavanaugh Receives SCICU "Excellence In Teaching" Award

Limestone College Professor Dr. Cindy Cavanaugh was one of 20 faculty members across the state recently recognized by the S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities.

The faculty members were acknowledged for their dedication to teaching by the SCICU at the 12th Annual Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner held on April 4.

Each of the 20 member institutions of the SCICU consortium selects one faculty member to receive the award, which includes a professional development grant for the professor. Each recipient is chosen by his or her institution according to rigorous criteria.

“I was very honored and surprised at receiving such an honor,” Cavanaugh said. “This acknowledgement will inspire me to continue to improve my teaching of our future physical educators at Limestone College.”

Over 150 people, including members of the South Carolina General Assembly, college faculty members, SCICU Trustees, and family members of the award recipients joined in the celebration of higher education and teaching excellence.

Each recipient receives a $3,000 professional development grant from SCICU.

Dr. Cavanaugh is currently a Professor of Physical Education, Teacher Certification at Limestone. She holds a Doctorate in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Utah State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Western Illinois University.

“Dr. Cavanaugh has been an energizing force behind prospective teachers, equipping them with all the skills and knowledge they will use as classroom teachers,” said Dr. Karen Gainey, Limestone’s Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her professionalism and good humor is a wonderful example to them.

At Limestone, Dr. Cavanaugh teaches methods courses in both physical education and health, exceptional child, foundations of physical education, and activity and skill courses. Her responsibilities include preparation and supervision of students who want to become physical education teachers (K-12). She has received the Fullerton Award for Excellence in Teaching twice during her tenure at Limestone.

Dr. Cavanaugh is a member of SHAPE-America, South Carolina Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and Kappa Delta Pi. She serves on the Area 12 Council of Special Olympics and is a volunteer for First Tee, a program that teaches kids values through golf.

“Dr. Cavanaugh has been a tremendous asset to Limestone and has almost singlehandedly revived our Physical Education teacher preparation program,” noted Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin.