East Tennessee State University professor Dr. Lori Meier has received the 2026 Distinguished Faculty in Service Award for her leadership in graduate education, faculty development and community outreach as a NASA Solar System Ambassador.

From inspiring K-12 learners with solar system and space studies to creating meaningful hooding ceremonies for graduate students, East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Lori Meier has a gift for turning moments of discovery into opportunities for service.

A professor in the ETSU Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, Meier was awarded the 2026 Distinguished Faculty in Service Award at ETSU’s Faculty Convocation on Aug. 21. This is the highest faculty service award bestowed by the university.

This award marks the second major university honor Meier has earned during her 18-year career at ETSU. In 2019, Meier also received the Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching, the university’s highest teaching award.

“Dr. Meier has demonstrated a sustained commitment to service distinguished by consistency, depth, and meaningful impact across the department, college, university, profession and broader community,” said Dr. Janna Scarborough, dean of the Clemmer College. “She has embraced service as a core responsibility of academic life, one inseparable from teaching and mentorship.”

Supporting graduate students

As a graduate program coordinator, Meier has advised more than 210 graduate students, led the transformation of the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program and created traditions like the department’s annual Hooding Ceremony.

“My highlight and joy has been working with Graduate Studies and graduate students,” Meier said. “I was a graduate student myself, and graduate studies changed the trajectory of my life. I knew early on at ETSU that I wanted to become a graduate program coordinator. So, whether that's advising or mentoring, opening up thesis paths, creating a hooding ceremony to celebrate them at graduation, it brings me such joy to hopefully show students this beautiful landscape of learning that did so much for me.”

Supporting faculty development

Through ETSU's Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), Meier has extended her commitment to service by supporting faculty development and mentorship. As a CTE Affiliate, she co-developed and facilitated two faculty Renewal Retreats centered on teaching, wellness and reflection, and she currently serves as a New Faculty Mentor. Her work helps build community among educators while strengthening teaching and learning across the university.

The sky is the limit for service

Beyond campus, Meier has served as a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador since 2018, one of a small number of volunteers in Tennessee selected to share NASA’s missions and discoveries with the public.

Through workshops, STEAM nights, school visits, library programs and community events, she has presented dozens of educational outreach programs that inspire learners of all ages to explore space, science, and discovery.

“I’m reminded every day on campus that I am surrounded by many wonderful and kind humans who serve each other intentionally with compassion,” Meier said. “Service is in the DNA of this campus community and to be recognized in this moment is one where I feel immense gratitude.”