Shelton, Tussey named 2026 Gussler Fellows

Published on May 12, 2026

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) professors Dr. Cindy Shelton and Laura Tussey were named 2026 Gussler Fellows during last week’s commencement ceremony.

Shelton, mathematics professor at ACTC, received the Gussler Family Endowed Chair in Science and Mathematics award. Tussey, English professor at ACTC, received the Gussler Family Endowed Chair in Humanities award.

The Gussler Fellow Award was established in 2007 by Dr. C Gordon Gussler and his wife, Dixie Gussler. As a distinguished alumnus of Ashland Community College, Dr. Gussler wanted to reward and encourage outstanding math and science faculty who foster in their students a desire to learn and reach their maximum potential. 

In 2019, the fellowship was expanded to include an award for an outstanding humanities faculty member.

This marks the third time Shelton has received the honor. She earned a PhD in STEM education from the University of Kentucky in 2021 and a master’s degree in mathematics education from Morehead State University in 1992. She has taught at ACTC since 1993.

“I am thrilled to receive this award,” said Shelton. “I am blessed to get to do a job that I love.  It is exciting to be a part of my students' journey. Spending multiple days per week for 16-week semesters makes for a relationship with so many wonderful individuals. I learn from them as much as they learn from me.”

Tussey has been a faculty member since August 2006. She earned a master’s degree in English with distinction from Marshall University in 2000 and her bachelor’s degree from Marshall University in 1998.

She has received this honor in back-to-back years.

“I am so honored and humbled to receive this distinction for doing something I absolutely love,” said Tussey. “My students are everything to me. I am so grateful for the ability to touch their lives, and for the impact they make on my life, as well.”

Recipients are nominated by students, fellow faculty or college staff for empowering and motivating students to succeed beyond their experiences.