Cullowhee, N.C. -- Dr. Rangika S. Hikkaduwa, an associate professor of chemistry, and Suzanne Melton, a Research Programs Coordinator within the Office of Research Administration and Program Director for the Catalyst: Summer Research and Leadership Program, were today named Western Carolina University's representatives on the 2025-26 All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff team by the conference office.
The conference and its schools recognized two representatives each from all 10 member institutions. While the selections were left to each institution's discretion, the recipients all shared common characteristics, including demonstrated service to the institution and contributions to campus life and the local community. Faculty members selected have demonstrated strong contributions to teaching, research, and/or service, while staff members are being recognized for bringing out the best in others and creating conditions for success.
The 2025-26 faculty and staff recipients include: The Citadel's Dr. Len Annetta and Erin Leonard; ETSU's Dr. Scott Jenkinson and Chuck Patton; Furman's Dr. Tim Patrick and Maya Russell; Mercer's Dr. Natalia Cardelino and John T. Steele; UNC Greensboro's Dr. Janet Boseovski and Jessica Quattrucci; Samford's Dr. Niya Pickett Miller and Cindy Kennington; Chattanooga's Betsy Meyer and Brandalyn Shropshire; VMI's Col. Jeff Smith and MAJ Isaac Slone; Western Carolina's Dr. Rangika S. Hikkaduwa and Suzanne Melton; and Wofford's Dr. Stacey Hettes and Mark Olencki.
"These outstanding faculty and staff members exemplify the excellence and commitment that define the Southern Conference. Their dedication to mentorship, teaching, leadership and service, their contributions to their institutions, and their positive impact on students and communities make them truly deserving of this recognition," said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. "We are proud to celebrate each of these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and help make each SoCon campus a special and exceptional place."
Each of the recipients will be recognized at one of their institutions' home men's basketball games this year. WCU will honor its duo on Saturday, Jan. 24, at a basketball doubleheader with the women's team hosting Chattanooga at 1 p.m. and the men's team hosting VMI at 3:30 p.m.
Suzanne Melton, Western Carolina (Staff)
Melton has served Western Carolina University for over 10 years, currently holding the positions of Research Programs Coordinator within the Office of Research Administration and Program Director for the Catalyst: Summer Research and Leadership Program. She provides strategic coordination of research programming across campus, supporting faculty, staff, and students through the administration of internal funding opportunities and the management of research-related logistics. She also plays a central role in advancing research excellence at WCU by organizing programs and opportunities that enhance research competencies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Melton additionally leads the planning and execution of the university's annual Research and Scholarship Conference, a cornerstone event that showcases the breadth and impact of scholarly work across disciplines.
As Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Melton works closely with students to facilitate meaningful engagement in hands-on research and scholarly activities. Her commitment to student development is further reflected through the Catalyst program, which emphasizes the intersection of undergraduate research and leadership. This program is designed to bridge the gap between first-year honors students and the academic research community, cultivating the next generation of scholars and leaders.
Dr. Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege, Western Carolina (Faculty)
An Associate Professor of Chemistry at Western Carolina University, Dr. Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege has been a member of the WCU faculty since 2017. Originally from Sri Lanka, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya, followed by her Ph.D. and postdoctoral training at Oklahoma State University.
Hikkaduwa Koralege is best described as a dedicated and inspiring educator whose passion for teaching, research, and mentorship enriches the Western Carolina University community. She teaches undergraduate courses in general chemistry and advanced-level courses in physical chemistry, and is actively engaged with undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory-based research and training.
Her research focuses on the development and application of engineered nanoscale materials as versatile tools in biomedicine , particularly in biomedical imaging and targeted delivery of therapeutics as well as in the petroleum industry. Dr. Hikkaduwa Koralege's commitment to teaching, advancing scientific discovery, fostering undergraduate and graduate research, and promoting STEM education within the broader community reflects a deep dedication to excellence, innovation, and service.
Western Carolina's Past All-SoCon Faculty & Staff Members
2015-16 – Dr. Hollye Moss, Professor, Management
2016-17 – David Claxton, Professor, Health & Recreation and Christy Wyatt, Counselor, Counseling & Psychological Services
2017-18 – Dr. Winford Gordon, Professor, Psychology and Beth Moore, Support Associate, School of Art & Design
2018-19 – Dr. Yue Cai Hillon, Associate Professor, Business and Mark Haskett, Director of Photography & Videography Services
2019-20 – Dr. Channa De Silva, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Dr. Lowell K. Davis, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success
2020-21 – Dr. Kelly R. Kelley, Associate Professor & Director of the University Participant Program and Courtney Gauthier, Associate Director of Career Integrated Learning
2021-22 – Dr. Alvin Malesky, Head of the Psychology Department and Roger Turk, Grounds Superintendent for the Facilities Management Department
2022-23 – Dr. Cyndy Caravelis, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Brian Boyer, Residential Case Manager
2023-24 – Dr. Alesia Jennings, Associate Instructor of Chemistry and April Tallant, Special Educational Developer with WCU's Coulter Faculty Common
2024-25 – Dr. Ericka Zimmerman, Director of the School of Health Sciences and Holli Stillman, Assistant to the Provost
2025-26: Dr. Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Suzanne Melton, Research Programs Coordinator with the Office of Research Administration and Program Director for the Catalyst: Summer Research and Leadership Program
