Bethany Pipkin is the recipient of the 2026 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Excellence in Teaching Award.听
Pipkin is Assistant Professor of Art and Art Foundations Program Coordinator in the South Carolina School of the Arts at 91福利社.听
Every year, South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) recognizes outstanding faculty from each of its 20 member colleges and universities and honors them with a $3,000 professional development grant and a framed certificate at a special awards dinner in Columbia.听
Pipkin will use the grant to support the purchase of a suite of equipment designed to deepen observational skills and visual accuracy in drawing courses. A Wacom Cintiq table will allow students to work digitally with precision on iPads or laptops. Digital handheld microscopes will give students close access to empirically observe surfaces, textures, and fine details for drawings and artwork. Additionally, a set of full-color WRGB lights will support still life and figure drawing by providing a wide range of lighting and color options. The purchases with the grant money will further connect the digital and analog worlds, allowing students to have experience with an even wider range of materials and mediums.听
Additionally, in recognition of her excellent work and commitment to her students鈥� learning, Pipkin will receive a $1,000 prize from AU鈥檚 Center for Learning and Teaching Excellence.听
Earnings from the SCICU Endowment fund the $60,000 needed to award the 20 SCICU Excellence in Teaching development grants.听
SCICU celebrated 20 outstanding faculty members at the annual Excellence in Teaching Awards dinner on April 21, 2026 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia.听