National honor puts Savannah State professor in the spotlight with emerging scholar award

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah State University is celebrating one of its own after Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Carmella Lennon-Hill received a national honor for her work in entrepreneurship education.

Hill was awarded the Emerging Scholar Award by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship during the organization’s 2026 annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The award recognizes early-career faculty who show strong promise in entrepreneurship research and teaching. Hill, who joined Savannah State in 2024 as a tenure-track faculty member, teaches courses including business research, operations management, and entrepreneurship and small business.

Hill said the recognition marks an important moment in her academic career and carries special meaning as both an alumna and educator at Savannah State.

College of Business Administration Dean Dr. Michael Fronmueller called Hill a rising star in the field, praising her focus on connecting research-driven instruction with meaningful career paths for students.

University leaders say the honor reflects Savannah State’s continued investment in academic excellence and entrepreneurial development, while highlighting the impact faculty members can have both in the classroom and beyond.