Three From SU Honored with 2026 USM Board of Regents' Awards
By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD---A faculty member lauded for her commitment to student-centered learning, an administrative assistant called critical in galvanizing her school’s faculty and staff, and a program specialist whose support has been instrumental in launching a new program for first-year students — all from Salisbury University — are among the recipients of this year’s University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents’ Faculty and Staff Awards.
Dr. Isabel Quintana Wulf, associate professor of English, is being honored for Excellence in Teaching. Cyndi Funkhouser, executive administrative assistant I in the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, is being recognized for Excellence as a Team Player. Nancy Talbott Holton, academic program specialist in the University Writing Center, is receiving the award for Excellence in Performance.
“The Regents’ Awards represent the University System of Maryland’s highest honors,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer-Lepre. “Isabel, Cyndi, and Nancy embody the dedication, passion, and heart that make Salisbury University such a special place. Their tireless commitment goes beyond the classroom, supporting students, colleagues, and the entire SU community every day. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful to have such outstanding members as part of our SU family.”
Dr. Isabel Quintana Wulf – Excellence in Teaching
Quintana Wulf was nominated for her pedagogical innovation, course development, and mentorship.
Her teaching combines subject mastery with empathy for students’ diverse backgrounds and learning needs, often resulting in innovative course design that includes accessible materials, such as instructional videos that provide context for complex texts, as well as inclusive learning communities.
“One of the most striking examples of her innovation is the portfolio model she developed for her literature courses,” said Lepre. “Recognizing that students often struggle to track their progress as readers, Dr. Quintana Wulf created a structured portfolio system that encourages metacognitive growth. Her method of teaching deepens comprehension and retention, but also transforms students into active participants in their own learning. The results are measurable: stronger engagement, clearer writing, and greater confidence.”
Beyond her own classrooms, Quintana Wulf has influenced other areas of the University — and beyond — through research on undergraduate reading practices and general education pedagogy, shaping new approaches to teaching literature at SU. Many of her protégés at Salisbury and other institutions have used her methods in their own classrooms, multiplying her impact on the discipline exponentially.
Cyndi Funkhouser – Excellence as a Team Player
Funkhouser was nominated for her collaborative efforts in support of the Fulton School.
“Cyndi exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional collaborator — someone whose reliability, warmth, and initiative elevate everyone around her,” said Lepre. “Whether supporting the Dean’s Office of the Fulton School or stepping in for colleagues across departments, Cyndi consistently demonstrates that teamwork and excellence go hand in hand.”
Funkhouser’s work has touched virtually every faculty and staff member in SU’s largest academic unit, from using software to update internal processes, to coordinating multiple large-scale, annual events for the school, including Fulton Welcome Back, Fall for Fulton, the Fulton Spring Arts Festival, and Fulton Appreciation Day.
“Colleagues frequently describe her as the person who keeps things running and spirits high,” said Lepre. “She embodies the very best of Salisbury University’s collaborative spirit.”
Nancy Talbott Holton – Excellence in Performance
Holton was nominated for her transformative impact on the University Writing Center (UWC).
In addition to overseeing schedules for UWC staff, as well as requests for workshops, campus events, and classroom tutor visits, Holton has played a critical role in managing growth in the center’s interactions, with more than 25% of SU students, on average, served by UWC programming.
Following the launch of programming for SU’s First-Year Seminar Program at the center, which included substantial data collection and assessment to better understand the interactions of these students with the UWC, Holton became indispensable in maintaining, tracking, organizing, and preparing the information as part of University-wide student retention efforts.
“Nancy’s pragmatic approach to capturing and analyzing all University Writing Center data, which include pre-and post-assessment metrics for thousands of participants, continuously improves the center’s tutoring practices to better track its students’ progress,” said Lepre. “Her work has informed University-wide initiatives to develop heightened communication-based learning outcomes and retention levels.”
Using her knowledge as a former UWC consultant and M.A. coursework in writing and rhetoric, Holton also helped create student-learning-outcome-driven, in-class workshops for First-Year Seminar faculty. The program is intended to develop students’ writing and communication skills.
“Nancy’s tendency to exceed expectations in every aspect of her role is a model of excellence for students and staff to follow,” said Lepre.
Awards will be presented during a reception in April. Also honored will be Michelle Lambert, executive administrative assistant I in SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, who was announced last year as the 2025 recipient of the USM Regents’ Staff Award for Acting as a Role Model.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.