2026 Faculty Achievement Award Winners to be Honored at FSU Convocation
May 11, 2026 8:00 AM
Four recipients of the 2026 Faculty Achievement Awards will be recognized at the Frostburg State University Honors Convocation on Wednesday, May 20. The awards are made possible through generous gifts to the FSU Foundation, Inc. In addition, outstanding graduating seniors will be honored by their academic departments for excellence in scholarship and leadership.
This year’s award winner for teaching is Dr. Wenjuan (Wendy) Xu, Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies. The Academic Achievement award winners are Dr. Xunyu Pan, Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies, and Annie Danzi, Department of Digital Media and Visual Arts. The recipient of the University and Community Service award is Dr. Jodi Welsch, professor in the Department of Educational Professions.
“These faculty award recipients embody the very best of Frostburg State University, from their commitment to students, their dedication to the University and the impact of their work that extends far beyond classroom walls,” said FSU Interim President Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD.
Dr. Wenjuan (Wendy) Xu
Since joining FSU, Dr. Wenjuan Xu has shown outstanding dedication to student success through hands-on teaching, innovative course design and strong departmental support. She has taught 19 courses while maintaining high engagement and academic standards. Beyond the classroom, she mentors new faculty, develops new courses and integrates advanced technologies, including AI tools, to prepare students for a changing workforce. Her commitment fosters student confidence, growth and opportunity, exemplifying the highest standards of teaching and FSU’s mission.
Dr. Xunyu Pan
Dr. Xunyu Pan is one of the recipients of the 2026 Faculty Achievement Award in Academic Achievement. Dr. Pan has established a distinguished and growing research program in digital forensics, multimedia systems, artificial intelligence and robotics, producing widely cited scholarship and securing more than $1 million in external funding from agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF), TEDCO and Mtech. His 2025 NSF award was among the largest in FSU’s history and supports the launch of the Appalachian Innovation Institute, which he leads as founding director, while his professional service further elevates the Frostburg State’s research profile.
Annie Danzi
Ms. Danzi is recognized for her work as producer, director and editor of Sweet Appalachia: The Story of Delfest, a feature-length documentary that highlights the cultural impact of DelFest on the Cumberland, Md., community. Over six years, she engaged FSU students in every stage of the filmmaking process, culminating in a sold-out 2024 premiere and national film festival recognition, including the Best Director Award at the Ocean City Film Festival in 2026. Through her dedication, Ms. Danzi has provided students with hands-on professional experience and the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful creative work.
Dr. Jodi Welsch
Dr. Jodi Welsch, a faculty member in the Department of Educational Professions, exemplifies outstanding service across departmental, institutional and community levels. For over 23 years, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership in university governance, teacher preparation, accreditation and professional organizations at the state and national levels. Known for her pioneering approach, she has played a key role in advancing program initiatives and implementing new mandates. Her leadership in the EdTPA Department Committee and Maryland EdTPA Collaborative has strengthened partnerships among higher education institutions and school districts to support teacher performance assessment. Dr. Welsch’s dedication to urgent program and policy needs has had a lasting impact on faculty, students and the broader campus community.