Two from Frostburg State University Honored with University System of Maryland Board of Regents Awards

Feb 27, 2026 9:00 AM

Two Frostburg State University employees have received 2025-2026 University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents awards, the highest honor bestowed by the system on faculty and staff. Donnell VanSkiver, executive administrative assistant to the president, earned the Staff Award for Making a Difference on Campus, and Andy Duncan, professor of English, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Creative Activity.

VanSkiver was recognized for creating and expanding the Administrative Development and Professional Training Program (ADAPT) and annual Community Conference Series, which supports professional growth and networking opportunities for administrative support professionals across Western Maryland. Following ADAPT’s inaugural cohort in 2023, she established the ADAPTable Fund to help sustain and grow the program.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, and while it is an incredible personal achievement, it is truly a testament to the incredible administrative support professionals who participate in our ADAPT program and ADAPT Community Conference Series,” said VanSkiver. “Through these initiatives, I have seen firsthand the talent and dedication of our support professionals as they invest in their own personal growth. They are the backbone of our campus and region; my greatest reward is providing them with the resources and community they need to thrive. I am proud to champion their development and celebrate the vital role they play at FSU and beyond.”  

University leaders praised her commitment to professional development and her impact across campus. “Donnell has led by example and demonstrated to the administrative professionals at FSU the importance of continuous professional development in their current roles and how to gain knowledge and experience to reach even higher career heights,” said FSU’s interim president Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD.

Duncan was honored for sustained creative achievement in science fiction and fantasy. “In addition to his excellence in teaching and his active contributions to university life, Mr. Duncan’s creative achievements have been truly outstanding,” noted FSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Michael Mathias.

His work has earned a Nebula Award, three World Fantasy Awards and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award, among other recognitions. In addition to publishing award-nominated short works, he has expanded his regional project, Weird Western Maryland, and regularly serves as a conference panelist, prize juror, workshop leader and reader nationwide.

“I’m honored to be recognized for all the hard work done by others to welcome and mentor me and to encourage all my eccentricities since I joined Frostburg State’s faculty in 2008,” said Duncan. “Above all I thank my wife, Sydney, who joined the Department of English two years before I did, and showed me how it’s done. I accept this award on behalf of my students, who have taught me so much and who continue to inspire me daily.”

VanSkiver and Duncan will be honored alongside other USM Board of Regents award winners at a special ceremony in April.