By Truett McConnell University
Honors Chapel showcases excellence at Truett McConnell University
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Dr. Brenda Hochmuth, Associate Professor of Neuropsychology, earned the Vulcan Materials Co. Teaching Excellence Award during Truett McConnell University’s Honors Chapel on April 21, 2026. In her days at TMU, Dr. Hochmuth has become a key member of the faculty and is deeply valued by those around her.
The Vulcan Materials Co. sponsors the Teaching Excellence Award of $1,000 through the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA). Established in 1991, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award honors an outstanding professor each year. The award recognizes faculty who display strong leadership, both in the classroom and in other areas at their university.
Though Dr. Hochmuth has not been at TMU for long, her tenure has been one of significant impact and full of contribution to the School of Psychology. Dr. Hochmuth’s journey of faith has been long, but the fulfillment found in Christ has seeped its way into every aspect of her life, making her a better wife, mother, friend, and professor. At TMU, she is valued for her integrity and dedication.
“I am acutely aware that I am but one small glowing ray of a faculty that radiates this divine purpose collectively,” shared Dr. Hochmuth. “To be chosen from among such a distinguished group of educators, who balance the heavy tasks of disciplining and nurturing with such faithfulness, is a distinction I accept with the utmost humility.”
In addition to the Vulcan Materials Co. Teaching Excellence Award, students were honored for their academic excellence, their efforts on the playing field, the publication of their work in the Yonah Literary Review, and their contributions to the campus community at TMU.
“We rejoice in those who are being honored, and we rejoice with those who are walking in obedience to God,” stated Dr. Maël Disseau, Vice President for Academic Services.
Also honored among faculty and staff was Mr. Gary Bennett, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, with the Presidential Achievement Award. Known for his unwavering commitment to excellence, Mr. Bennett has made significant contributions during his time at TMU. From overseeing the development of the new Doctor of Business Administration and leading the university’s 5th-year accreditation report to dedicating countless hours to collaborating with colleagues, Bennett’s leadership has streamlined the process of institutional effectiveness.
The Award for Faculty Excellence was awarded to Ms. Shann Cash, selected by her fellow faculty members for both the award and the honor of bearing the mace and leading the faculty during graduation. She has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and has stepped above and beyond in service to the campus and community. Ms. Cash has worked at TMU since 2007, and for the last decade, she has served students in the classroom. She has also served the White County Board of Education for the last 30 years.
“Honors Chapel is a special event each year where we get to celebrate the very best students, staff, and faculty of Truett McConnell University. I was so thankful to be able to join the ceremony this year as students were celebrated for excellence in the classroom, staff was recognized for diligent and faithful work on behalf of the university, and to celebrate faculty for their work in and out of the classroom, representing Christ during their service at TMU,” shared Dr. Larry Lyon, President. “I am proud of the TMU Family and all those recognized for their hard work and achievement.”
TMU students earn national recognition in ethics competition
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Truett McConnell University students have earned national recognition in the 2026 Ethics in Action Video Competition, hosted annually by the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT), a prestigious nonprofit dedicated to developing ethical leaders in business and the professions.
Students from Dr. Austin Hinton's business ethics course submitted 10 original videos to the competition, which drew entries from colleges and universities across the United States. Of those submissions, two entries placed as national runners-up.
Jayden Bevillard earned Runner Up in the Commercial category (Viewers' Choice) for his video "It's Not Illegal…But is it Right?" The team of James Kennedy and Vicente Smith earned Runner Up in the Short Film category (Viewers' Choice) for their video "Business Ethics - Work Abuse."
The remaining student submissions included: Nathan Bowen ("Dilemma Over Denver"), Céliane Pereira ("Ethics Video"), Abigail Chavez ("Ethics Dilemma in the Workplace"), Grace Montgomery ("When Merit Doesn't Matter"), Madelyn Simpson ("Contribution Conundrum"), James Lester ("Monkey Business"), Kadin Pilz and Jansen Abner ("The Workplace Episode #1: The Company Card"), and Emily Laughlin ("Business Ethics Video: Female Discrimination in the Office").
"I'm incredibly proud of what these students accomplished," said Dr. Hinton. "Competing at a national level takes courage and creativity, and their willingness to engage seriously with real-world ethical dilemmas is exactly what we hope to cultivate in the business program at TMU."
The Ethics in Action competition challenges undergraduate and graduate students to create short films and commercials that explore ethical dilemmas in the business world. Videos are evaluated on originality, clarity, relevance, and critical thinking.
