Recognition

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

Dr. Gaines is proud to have received multiple awards for her research, service, and teaching. Some of those honorable recognitions will be included here.

Faculty Member of the Game

University of Central Florida student athletes nominated Dr. Gaines for this recognition during the fall 2022 semester. As Faculty Member of the Game, Dr. Gaines was awarded a signed football, recognized on the field during the first half of the UCF vs. game, provided a guided tour the Wayne Densch Center for Student-Athlete Leadership, and took part in the pre-game sideline activities. The University of Central Florida’s football team is a Division I team.

Innovative Teaching Award

During the Spring 2024 semester, the University of Central Florida’s College of Undergraduate Studies awarded Dr. Gaines with the innovative teaching award for her instruction and contributions to the department.

Service Awards, Black Faculty and Staff Association, University of Central Florida

In appreciation for her service as an executive board member of UCF’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, Dr. Gaines was honored with a plaque, and recognized for her dedication to the organization. She was presented with this service award in February 2023 and in February 2024.

Best Paper Presenter Award

In April 2022, Dr. Gaines was awarded with the Best Paper Presenter award at the 8th International Conference on Social Science & Humanities (ICSSH), The presentation was titled: “Turns Black Skin White”: Status, Black Women, and Early 1900s American Beauty Advertisements.

Perry Williams Postdoctoral Fellowship

Through the Consortium for Faculty Diversity, Dr. Gaines was able to serve as a Perry Williams Postdoctoral Fellow at the College of Wooster during the 2020/2021 academic year.

Assigned Time for Exceptional Levels of Service to Students Award

During the Fall 2020 semester, Dr. Gaines was awarded with a $4, 500 stipend for her service to students.

Honors Awards and Recognition

Fall 2022 Faculty Member of the Game, University of Central Florida 

April 2022  Best Paper Presenter Award, International Conference on Social Science & Humanities (ICSSH), London, UK. Paper title: “Turns Black Skin White”: Status, Black Women, and Early 1900s American Beauty Advertisements

Fall 2020 – Spring 2021  Perry-Williams Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Fall 2020   San José State University Assigned Time for Exceptional Levels of Service to Students Award

Summer 2018  Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters Summer Support Fellowship

Fall 2017  Michigan State University College of Education Urban Education Retention Fellowship

Summer 2017  Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters Summer Support Fellowship

Spring and Summer 2016  Michigan State University Academic Achievement Graduate Assistantship 

Inducted 2014 Phi Alpha Theta International History Honors Society