SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team on Thursday, with two representatives each from all 10 member schools being recognized by the league.
 
Samford's two representatives were Dr. Celeste Hill, an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, and Paige Mathis, the Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics.
 
While the selections were left up to each institution's discretion, the recipients all shared the common characteristics of demonstrated service to the institution and contributions to campus life and the local community. Faculty members selected have demonstrated strong contributions to teaching, research and/or service, while staff members are being recognized for bringing out the best in others and creating conditions for success.
 
The faculty and staff recipients include: The Citadel's Dr. Chip Taylor and Henry Bouton; ETSU's Dr. Virginia Foley and Janet Stork; Furman's Dr. Marian Strobel and Todd Duke; Mercer's Dr. Mahkin Thitsa and Matt Brownback; UNC Greensboro's Dr. Jeremy Bray and Amy Collins Moore; Samford's Dr. Celeste Hill and Paige Mathis; Chattanooga's Dr. Christine Benz Smith and Endia Butler; VMI's Col. Timothy Hodges and Chief Michael Marshall; Western Carolina's Dr. Kelly R. Kelley and Courtney Gauthier; and Wofford's Dr. Anna Catllá and Lisa Lefebvre.
 
Below are bios on Samford's two honorees.
 
Dr. Celeste Hill, Samford
Dr. Celeste Hill is an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, also serving as the faculty advisor of Samford's student chapter of the National Council on Family Relations (SUNCFR) and as an advisor for underclassman. Hill, who holds four degrees from the University of Alabama, including a Ph.D. in educational psychology, currently teaches Infant and Child Development, Gerontology and the Family, and Family Life Interaction. Hill's areas of interest include experiential education, online learning and development during late adulthood. Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member at Samford, Hill, who became certified as an online instructor and as a national peer reviewer for Quality Matters, earned the Stephen Shank Recognition for significant contribution to learner success at Capella University for the 2012 and 2013 academic years.
 
Paige Mathis, Samford
Paige Mathis serves as Samford's Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics. In her eighth season, Mathis oversees the Academic Enhancement Program for Student-Athletes and is the primary academic counselor for the Bulldogs' football program. Prior to her current role, Mathis served as the academic counselor for six sports and a tutor coordinator at Samford. Her passion for athletic academic service stems from her commitment to assisting student-athletes succeed not only on the field or court, but also in the classroom.