SHREVEPORT – The LSU Shreveport students made their voices heard as they announced their selections for their highest honors Monday at the annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony.
A student-led committee picked business faculty member David Fowler as LSUS Professor of the Year and Ahmed Ghazawneh as Outstanding Student Leader of the Year.
Fowler is an assistant professor of management who joined the LSUS faculty in 2023.
“Dr. Fowler is such a joy to learn from, and he cares so much for his students and their success,” read one student nomination. “Being an online student, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the professor and the course.
“However, he makes it a point to show his virtual students the sites around campus and share experiences so we feel more connected to the LSUS community as a whole. Dr. Fowler is an asset to the university and a fantastic teacher.”
The student committee whittled down more than 500 nominations to six finalists – Fowler, Blake Dunnavent (history), Rogers Martin (math), Brent Bost (business), Aaron Adams (kinesiology) and Mary Margaret Lusk (psychology).
Ghazawneh, a public health major, is notably active in academic and student life.
In addition to publishing research alongside faculty, Ghazawneh served two terms as president of Alpha Lambda Delta, a founding member of the Muslim Student Association, vice president of Students for Justice in Palestine, a Student Government Association senator, and secretary in both First Gen Leaders and Allied Health Professions.
“(Ghazawneh) has made a remarkable impact through both leadership and academic excellence,” said Jake Oliver, Student Organization Council President. “He balances a strong GPA with an extraordinary level of involvement, consistently demonstrating dedication, initiative, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
“He’s known among peers for being energetic kind, and down to Earth – qualities that have made a lasting impression.”
Ghazawneh’s organizations received other top honors as well.
Students for Justice in Palestine won Student Organization of the Year, and organization advisor Mary Margaret Lusk captured Advisor of the Year.
The Muslim Student Association took home Outstanding New Student Organization.
Phi Mu Fraternity captured Greek Organization of the Year with leader Ann-Elise Appleton received the Greek Leader of the Year honor.
Other awards and recognitions included various Greek, student organization involvement and Student Government Association involvement.
“Our students impact the campus and local community in so many ways, including hosting events, volunteering, and demonstrating their leadership skills,” said LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith. “According to this year’s annual report, our student groups were able to commit to more than 1,200 volunteer hours and raised more than $14,000.”
