Two distinguished educators with the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) are in the spotlight for major achievements. Dr. Shelly Meyers and Dr. Katrina Pitts are recognized for their significant contributions to teacher preparation and scholarly research within the field of education.
Dr. Shelly Meyers Receives PSLA Leadership Award
Dr. Shelly Meyers, Educator Support Specialist for Education Policy at the EPI Center, was honored at the Palmetto State Literacy Association (PSLA) conference on Hilton Head Island earlier this month. The award recognizes her exceptional leadership and adaptability during the unprecedented transition in literacy education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During her tenure at Limestone University, Dr. Meyers was instrumental in navigating rapid instructional shifts. By prioritizing rigor and relevance in online literacy courses, she ensured that pre-service teachers remained equipped to drive student growth despite the challenges of the era.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from PSLA,” said Dr. Meyers. “This award belongs not only to me but also to the outstanding faculty team that was at
Limestone University, and the mentor teachers and Literacy Coaches at Limestone-Central Elementary in Cherokee County School District. Every student deserves a well-prepared teacher on day one, and our team did everything we could to ensure that commitment was fulfilled.”
Dr. Meyers received her undergraduate degree from Missouri Valley College, a master’s from Walden University, and doctorate from Gardner-Webb University.
Dr. Katrina Pitts Recognized for Outstanding Dissertation Research
Dr. Katrina Pitts has been awarded an Honorable Mention for the 2026 National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA) Northeast Region’s Dissertation of the Year Award. Her research, titled Social Engagement and Community College Online Course Completion, was lauded by the selection committee for its “quality, rigor, and contribution” to the field.
Dr. Pitts has assisted virtual learners in the EPI Center’s programs for two years. This recognition holds quite a significance for her, as it reflects the culmination of countless hours of hard work and perseverance.
“The topic was personal, as my own educational path was largely completed
online—a necessity due to my personal and professional responsibilities,” said Dr. Pitts. “By exploring the experiences of Community College students navigating similar hurdles, I desired to shed light on their journeys and advocate for a supportive online experience. I am genuinely grateful for the potential impact of this recognition, and I hope it fosters meaningful conversations within the higher education landscape.”
In recognition of this academic milestone, Dr. Pitts has received complimentary registration to the NCBAA conference this March, where her work will be celebrated among peers and industry leaders.
Dr. Pitts holds a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Morgan State University, a Master of Arts in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Information Management from the University of South Carolina.
The recognition of Dr. Meyers and Dr. Pitts underscores the EPI Center’s mission to foster high-level expertise in both policy and practice. Their work continues to bridge the gap between academic research and the realworld needs of classrooms across the state.
