Alumni Award Inductees

1988
2006
2014
2021
1990
2007
2017
2022
1992
2011
2018
2023
1994
2012
2019
2024
1995
2013
2020

CLASS OF 2024

Dr. Jeff Scott

Harold L. Bishop Award for Leaders

’03, ’04

Dr. Jeff L. Scott is an experienced educator and leader in academic operations, currently serving as the Executive Director of Academic Operations at Troy University’s School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Technology, and Policy from the University of Alabama, where his research focused on structured mentoring programs for teachers. Dr. Scott has a rich professional background, including serving as Vice President of Education at Founding Forward and classroom leadership spanning over two decades. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. His expertise includes curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and civic education. Dr. Scott is actively involved in professional organizations such as the National Council for the Social Studies and the Alabama Historical Association. A frequent keynote speaker, he has delivered presentations on leadership and education at national conferences and has contributed to curriculum development in U.S. history education.

Katherine L. Baxter

James McLean Excellence in Education Award

’99, ’03, ’16, ’23

Katherine L. Baxter is an accomplished educator with over two decades of experience in teaching and library sciences. Currently serving as a Teacher-Librarian at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she has made a significant impact through innovative teaching strategies in reading, coding, and critical thinking for students in Pre-K through 5th grade. Her leadership was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she collaborated to create virtual learning resources for students. Under her direction, the school library achieved Exemplary Status, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence. Katherine’s career spans roles as a primary teacher in multiple schools, where she developed curricula, coordinated educational trips, and mentored new teachers. Her professional accolades include being named Teacher of the Year for multiple schools and the Tuscaloosa City School System. Katherine holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Library Science from the University of Alabama and continues to be a leader in educational innovation and community engagement.