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LaGrange College honored three faculty members with awards centered on research and teaching excellence at its Honors Day ceremony on April 24. 

Dr. Clay Bolton, associate professor of sports management, received the John Hines Jr. Undergraduate Research Faculty Award. It recognizes a professor whose work supports the college’s undergraduate research program. 

“Dedicated to experiential learning in their discipline, Dr. Bolton insists that their students ‘do’ what they study,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, vice president for academic affairs. “He has traveled to national conferences to present research with their students in each of the last two years, helping students understand the value of what they are learning in the classroom.”

Dr. Bolton began teaching at LaGrange College in 2022. Before coming to LaGrange, he was employed as an associate professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Augusta University, a master’s degree in sports management from Georgia Southern University and a doctorate in education and higher education administration from Mississippi State University. 

Luke Hopper, associate professor of theatre arts, received the 2025 United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher Award. Each year, GBHEM member schools select one faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students, the institution and the community.

“He instructs his students in a variety of skills useful in everyday life and teaches them to take pride in their work and do an exceptional job,” Dr. Peterson said. 

Hopper, who also serves as technical director and resident designer for the theatre program, started working at LaGrange College in 2017. Previously, he was employed as a technical director and lecturer at the University of Florida. 

He received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hastings College, and a Master of Fine Arts in Technical Direction from the University of Missouri. 

Sandy Blair, associate professor of nursing, received the 2025 Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award. 

Established in 1991, the annual Vulcan Teaching Excellence Awards honor an outstanding professor selected by member campuses of the Georgia Independent College Association.

The award recognizes an exceptional faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in other areas of campus life. The recipient assists the institution in nurturing an academic climate that fosters learning and leadership to enhance the campus community.

“She teaches her nursing students to not just take care of machines and conduct tests, but to authentically care for people,” Dr. Peterson said. 

Blair came to LaGrange College in 2000 as an assistant professor. She then transitioned to associate professor and launched the online RN to BSN program in 2016. 

Prior to working in LaGrange, Blair was employed in the acute setting of intensive care units for over 20 years and then worked for the State of Georgia in Public Health as the child health immunization coordinator for District Four. In 1998, she was nominated for the Glaxo-Wellcome Award and received the Immunization Award from the Georgia Health and Human Services Division in coordination with the Centers for Disease and Control.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from LaGrange College and a master’s degree in nursing from Georgia State University. Blair also has post master’s certificates in gerontology from Georgia State and nursing education from Georgia College and State University.

Outside of work, she is a member of the Troup Cares Board of Directors representing LaGrange College.