Dr. Olivia Carr Edenfield, Director of the American Literature Association and Professor in the Department of English at Georgia Southern University, has been selected as the 2025 Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) – Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Awardee.
Dr. Olivia Carr Edenfield is an esteemed professor and mentor known for her dedication to undergraduate research in the arts and humanities. As a faculty member who has mentored over 50 undergraduate students, she has made significant contributions to student mentorship, guiding undergraduates in scholarly research, writing, and professional development. Edenfield has been instrumental in fostering research opportunities in and outside the classroom, including serving with the American Literature Association, where she helped create opportunities for students to engage in scholarly discussions and research dissemination. Many of her students have presented at national and regional conferences, demonstrating the impact of her mentorship in shaping future scholars.
According to Georgia Southern University’s President, Kyle Marrero, “Congratulations to Dr. Edenfield on this significant recognition by the Council on Undergraduate Research. Her exemplary dedication to fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and scholarly excellence will continue to help our students and the University’s undergraduate research enterprise reach new heights.”
Explains Edenfield, “I have been a university faculty member for decades, and nothing has provided me with more satisfaction and pride–more pure, unbridled joy–than my students’ myriad successes these 39 years. The Council for Undergraduate Research Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Award encapsulates my highest priority as a university professor: helping my students thrive. I am deeply blessed and incredibly honored to receive this award.”
Lindsay Currie, CUR’s executive officer stated, “Dr. Olivia Carr Edenfield exemplifies the very best in undergraduate research mentorship. Her dedication to guiding students through meaningful scholarly experiences in the humanities has made a lasting impact on their academic and professional journeys. Through her leadership, commitment, and passion for student success, she has not only elevated undergraduate research at Georgia Southern University but also contributed significantly to the broader academic community. We are proud to recognize her with the CUR Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Award for her outstanding contributions to student mentorship and research.”
The CUR-Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Award was established in 2018 through an endowed gift by 2012 CUR Fellow Joyce Kinkead (Utah State University) to nurture undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry in arts and humanities disciplines. Carr Edenfield will be honored at the June 10, 2025, CUR Award Celebration.
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Founded in 1978, the (CUR) is an organization of individual, institutional, and affiliate members from around the world that share a focus on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity opportunities for faculty and students. Nearly 700 institutions and more than 13,000 individuals belong to CUR. CUR believes that faculty members enhance their teaching and contribution to society by remaining active in research and by involving undergraduates in research, and that students engaged in undergraduate research succeed in their studies and professional advancement.
, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities.
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