CLARKSVILLE, TN – Dr. Stephen Kershner, an associate professor in Austin Peay State University’s Department of Languages and Literature, recently earned the 2025 Award for Excellence in Teaching at the College Level from the Society for Classical Studies (SCS), North America’s leading organization for the study of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

Kershner was one of three educators nationwide to receive the award during the 2026 Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and SCS Annual Meeting, hosted Jan. 7-10. He was recognized for his innovative teaching methods, supportive classroom environment, and dedication to mentoring students.

“We are incredibly proud to have Dr. Kershner on our faculty,” APSU President Mike Licari said. “His approach to teaching brings ancient civilizations to life and sets a standard for excellence that elevates our entire university. This award confirms what we’ve known for a long time: Austin Peay is home to truly outstanding educators.”

Kershner’s teaching centers on practical application, with students building critical thinking and problem-solving skills across disciplines. He also encourages “getting our wrong in every single day” to show how taking risks in class discussion promotes growth.

“Austin Peay is a regional institution, and our goal is to develop workforces and uplift the community,” Kershner said. “The Romans, Greeks, and all of the accoutrements that go with them are like a data set. They can teach us a lot about the world, politics, science, and art, and I’m focusing on using this material to make my students even more capable than they already are.”

Junior world languages major Richard Carney said Kershner provided essential guidance when he was unsure about his path forward.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much Dr. Kershner has helped me throughout my academic career,” Carney said. “As a professor, he has always been kind and caring, and also extremely willing to help … he’s been an incredible inspiration in my journey, and I am so grateful that I was able to study under him.”

Kershner’s impact extends beyond the classroom. He frequently mentors students for conference presentations, serves as an editor for Philomathes: A Journal of Undergraduate Research in Classics, taught for five years through the APSU Prison Education Project, and organizes a recurring Classics Day that brings 150-200 local high school students to campus to learn about ancient civilizations.

“Some of these kids have never been told they belong in college, or have never thought they belong in college for one reason or another,” Kershner said. “Classics Day shows young people the possibilities and what can happen for them if they want it. It also lets APSU students plan the activities so they can learn how to run large-scale meetings.”

Outside campus, Kershner helped launch APSU’s Prison Education Project with Dr. Wes Atkinson and Dr. Dwonna Goldstone (now a professor at Texas State University). He currently serves on the university’s Prison Education Steering Committee as an advocate for incarcerated learners.

“It’s a stark world behind the walls, and this brings the humanities to them,” Kershner said. “Going in there and reading works like the Odyssey that I’ve taught in the classroom changes lives. I’ve seen men with seventh-grade educations discuss difficult concepts as well as anybody you’d find at a college.”