George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award

The George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award recognizes the highest level of achievement among staff employees. Serving as a companion award to the Trustees Award for faculty, the George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award is a symbol of what we value as a campus community, having an “extraordinary impact on the lives of students.” This award winner exemplifies the traits of its namesake George J. Howe in humility, generosity, and excellence in leadership, as well as the Cardinal Principles and whose career has had an exceptional impact on the university.

• Diane Whitlock, assistant vice president for strategic initiatives in the Office of Access & Opportunity

Trustees Award

The Board of Trustees of the University of Louisville established the Trustees Award in 1989 to honor faculty who individually impact the future of our students. The award is intended to recognize faculty who have had, currently or in the past, an extraordinary impact on students.

• Recipient will be announced on April 17, 2026.

Cardinal Principles Champions

The Cardinal Principles Champions Award recognizes faculty and staff who exemplify the university’s guiding values through meaningful actions and impact. Each recipient is recognized for demonstrating one of the Cardinal Principles in a way that positively influences students, colleagues and the broader university community.

• Community of Care: Audra N. French, School of Dentistry
• Agility: Libby Champion, College of ����ֱ�� & Human Development
• Respect: Amanda LeDuke, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
• Diversity: Katie Kleinkopf, College of Arts & Sciences
• Integrity & Transparency: MaryPat Chiavaroli, College of Arts & Sciences
• Noble Purpose: Tonia D. Thomas, Office of Access & Opportunity
• Accountability: Michelle Maddox, School of Medicine
• Leadership: Brad Shuck, College of ����ֱ�� & Human Development

Distinguished Faculty Awards

The University of Louisville recognizes faculty members who bring distinction to the institution through exceptional contributions in teaching, research, creative work and service. The Distinguished Faculty Awards honor individuals whose work reflects the university’s mission and Cardinal Principles, advancing student success, scholarship and impact across the university and broader community.

Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity

• Basic and Applied Sciences: Gregory Barnes, School of Medicine
• Career Achievement: Aruni Bhatnagar, School of Medicine
• Creative and Performing Arts: William Reese Land, School of Music
• Humanities: Lauren Freeman, College of Arts & Sciences
• Social Sciences: Tara Schapmire, School of Medicine

Distinguished Service

• Service to the Community, the Commonwealth and/or the Region: Matthew H. Ruther, College of Arts & Sciences
• Service to the Profession: Kupper Wintergerst, School of Medicine
• Career of Service: Gerard Paul Rabalais, School of Medicine
• Service to UofL: Natalie C. Polzer, College of Arts & Sciences
• National/International Service: Mirzada Kurbasic, School of Medicine

Distinguished Teaching Professor

• James S. Chisholm, College of ����ֱ�� & Human Development, full-time
• Jennifer Koch, School of Medicine, full-time
• Shawn Schweppe Parkhurst, College of Arts & Sciences, full-time
• Heather L. Storer, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, full-time
• Jennifer M. Foreman, Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, part-time

Outstanding Performance Awards

The Outstanding Performance Awards celebrate UofL staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, service and dedication. These awards highlight contributions that make a meaningful impact across the university.

• Mindy L. Christian, Public Safety
• Melissa Eversole, Office of Admissions
• David L. Fichuo, School of Medicine
• Julie Hornung, Clinical Trials
• Andrew C. Marsh, J.B. Speed School of Engineering
• Beth Masters, Human Resources
• Kristen Taxes Roy, Office of Access & Opportunity
• Veronica (Sissy) Snorton-Craft, Physical Plant
• Anika Strand, Student Success Center
• Mary Beth Uberti, Campus Health

Outstanding Supervisor Award

The Outstanding Supervisor Award recognizes supervisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership by supporting and developing their teams while fostering a positive and respectful work environment. These leaders model the Cardinal Principles through their actions and impact.

• Rachel Hodge, University Libraries

Team Impact Award

The Team Impact Award recognizes teams whose collaboration, innovation and shared efforts create meaningful impact across the university. These groups demonstrate the power of collective work in advancing the university’s mission.

• Benefits Team/Human Resources: Chastity Millanti, Michaeline Miller, Beth Masters, Carol Zehnder, Ashley Bertram, Shannon Hall, Mariah Mitchell, Greg Paradiso

Distinguished Retiree Awards

The Distinguished Retiree Awards recognize retired faculty and staff whose continued scholarship, service and contributions reflect the university’s Cardinal Principles and create meaningful impact beyond their careers at UofL. These awards are presented in partnership with the University of Louisville Association of Retired Personnel (ULARP) and the UofL Alumni Association.

• Distinguished Retiree Excellence Award: Allan Tasman, Emeritus Professor
• Distinguished Retiree Alumni Award: Michael Radmacher, UofL Alumnus and Retiree

When the Employee Success Center began in 2020, McDaniels saw annual recognition methods and awards in place, but no way for employees to be recognized in a daily, on-the-spot manner. She began creating an easy tool, using Microsoft and four initial card designs, that could send personalized appreciation through email. Thus, the was born.

“Research says that a highly rated reason people leave a job is because they didn’t feel appreciated,” said McDaniels, who also is a certified facilitator of Workplace Appreciation Languages. “Sometimes we get really bogged down with heavy workloads, and we just don’t think to take time to write an appreciative note. Having this tool makes it easier for our employees to find ways to support each other.”

Since the program started, almost 7,500 CARDGrams have been sent, whether by individuals or by schools within UofL who see the chance to encourage all students in their department. Participation tends to rise around a holiday or the change of season.

“Last Thanksgiving, I decided to create a fall-themed thankfulness card design and put it in UofL Today the Monday before the holiday,” she said. “I believe we had about 250 sent out in three days. That was extremely exciting, so I did it again this year, and had about 350.”

As engagement grows, McDaniels aims to design several new cards to keep things fresh so folks can have more options to fill someone’s inbox with color and kindness.

“The program has sparked the interest of other universities, and getting that feedback is a great feeling.” McDaniels said. “We hope the CARDGram becomes a household name around campus, known by everyone—and I think we’re starting to get there.”

CARDGrams can be found on the . Make someone’s day with a little encouragement!

The annual award, presented by the University of Louisville’s Employee Success Center, recognizes the contributions of an extraordinary University of Louisville staff member who exemplifies the traits of its namesake George J. Howe (humility, generosity and excellence in leadership) as well as the Cardinal Principles. This staff member’s career has had an exceptional impact on the university and its vision of being a great place to learn, discover, connect and work.

Pentecost, assistant dean for the Office of Graduate Student Success (GSS) in the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, was presented with the award at the 2023 Presidential Excellence Awards reception, which took place April 13.

From the nominations which were submitted in support of Pentecost, her colleagues said that she is “known to be fiercely protective of the student, faculty and staff experience and has the ability to advance positive outcomes for all involved in a situation regardless of their role, often without them ever knowing she’s done it.”

Pentecost, who has been with the university for more than 31 years, along with her team in the GSS office, provides resources and services that serve the needs of UofL graduate students academically, professionally and socially. The GSS serves as a centralized hub for graduate student success and helps build a community among the graduate student population. Pentecost has served on multiple campus committees and led international learning experiences for UofL students. She is an active volunteer on campus and in the community.

“I am deeply touched to receive this award,” said Pentecost, a three-time College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development graduate. “I have been fortunate to do the work that I love for more than 30 years alongside our amazing students and colleagues. It is very rewarding to assist our students as they strive to reach their goals. UofL has provided me with many opportunities to learn, grow and serve, and I am incredibly grateful to my UofL community for sharing my journey.”

The University of Louisville Employee Success Center conferred the 2023 Presidential Excellence Awards during the awards reception, which took place April 13. The awards recognize the employees whose exemplary commitments to student success impact the entire university community.

Here are this year’s winners.

George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award

The annual George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award recognizes the contributions of an extraordinary University of Louisville staff member who exemplifies the traits of its namesake George J. Howe (humility, generosity and excellence in leadership) as well as the Cardinal Principles. This staff member’s career has had an exceptional impact on the university.

• Margaret Pentecost, Assistant Dean, College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development

Trustees Award

The Board of Trustees of the University of Louisville established The Trustees Award in 1989 to honor faculty who individually impact the future of our students. The award is intended to recognize faculty who have had, currently or in the past, an extraordinary impact on students.

• Nefertiti Burton, Professor and Chair, Department of Theatre Arts

Cardinal Principles Champions

The Cardinal Principles Champions Award honors faculty and staff who demonstrate one of the Cardinal Principles at the highest level of impact.

• Jason Beare, Community of Care
• Michel Ball, Accountability
• Kamari Wooten, Respect
• John Chenault, Diversity and Inclusion
• Karen Blake, Integrity and Transparency
• Gordon Stout, Noble Purpose
• Jessica Jackey, Agility
• Michelle Rodems, Leadership

Distinguished Faculty Awards

These awards honor faculty who bring distinction to the university through their commitment to the areas of service, teaching and outstanding scholarship, research and creative activity.

• Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity
• Kevin Walsh, Speed School of Engineering, Basic and Applied Sciences
• Christopher Brody, School of Music, Creative and Performing Arts
• Janice Sullivan, School of Medicine, Career Achievement
• Lesley Harris, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, Social Sciences
• Simona Bertacco, College of Arts and Sciences, Humanities
• Distinguished Service
• Emma Sterrett-Hong, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, Service to UofL
• Susan Galandiuk, School of Medicine, Career of Service
• W. Mark McGinley, Speed School of Engineering, Service to the Profession
• Ayman El-Baz, Speed School of Engineering, National/International Service
• Melissa Currie, School of Medicine, Service to the Community, the Commonwealth and/or the Region

Distinguished Teaching Professor

• Denise Cumberland, College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, Full-time
• Shamus McNamara, Speed School of Engineering, Full-time
• Shawnise Miller, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, Full-time
• Chad Sloan, School of Music, Full-time
• T Cantrell, College of Arts and Sciences, Part-time

Outstanding Performance Award

The Outstanding Performance Award recognizes university staff (both exempt and nonexempt) who inspire others through their outstanding dedication and commitment to UofL.

• Katie Adamchik, Director of Student Success, Student Success Center
• Kenneth Carey, General Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Plant
• Jennifer Foreman, Program Manager, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
• Carissa Gentry, Program Coordinator Senior, Center for Military-Connected Students
• Adam Gibson, IT Systems Support Analyst, School of Nursing, Information Technology
• Alex Isham, Manager, Technical Services, Speed School – Bioengineering
• Karen Ramsey, Administrative Assistant, Department of Medicine-Infectious Diseases
• Rob Smith, Commercialization Manager, Office of Research and Innovation
• M. Yvette Stith, Administrative Assistant, Graduate School
• Charles Williams, Locksmith, Physical Plant

Outstanding Supervisor Award

Great supervisors create a culture of engagement that includes supporting the development of team members and sending a strong, consistent message of respect, compassion and trustworthiness.

• Anthony Kron, Program Assistant Senior, Physical Plant

Team Impact Award

Team Impact Award winners honor a team of dedicated employees who work collaboratively to realize their vision.

• Center for Military-Connected Students – Mary Ann Campbell, Carissa Gentry, Kyle Hurwitz, Shannon Putman and Kristen Roy

Presidential Commission Awards

Commission on the Status of Women (COSW)

• COSW Champion of Advocacy: Jamieca Jones, Program Coordinator, Women’s Center
• COSW Champion of Communications: Laura McDaniels, Engagement Specialist, Employee Success Center
• COSW Climate & Equity Champion: Savanah Low, Coordinator, Health Promotion
• COSW Commissioner of the Year: Sophonie Bazile, Coordinator Online Student Support, Online Programs, College of Business
• COSW Volunteer of the Year: Sammy-Jo Hand, Program Coordinator, Health Promotions
• COSW Catalyst: The Parenting Network Founders – Andrew Grubb, Sarah Frankel, Michelle Henderson, Laura McDaniels, Taylor U’Sellis and Meagan West

Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality (CODRE)

• Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award: John Chenault, Director of Anti-Racism Initiatives, Undergraduate Medical ����ֱ��
• CODRE Commissioner of the Year Award: Daniela Terson de Paleville, Associate Professor, Health and Sport Sciences
• CODRE Commissioner of the Year Award: Tonia Thomas, Program Director and Advisor, School of Medicine

The UofL Board of Trustees established the $5,000 award in 1989 to honor faculty who individually impact the future of UofL students. The University of Louisville Employee Success Center presented the award to Burton at the 2023 Presidential Excellence Awards reception, which took place April 13. Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Cherie Dawson-Edwards noted several of Burton’s qualities and accomplishments as a member of UofL’s faculty.

“Dr. Burton is a dedicated and gracious teacher and artist and a highly regarded scholar-practitioner in her field,” said Dawson-Edwards. “She has been recognized with prestigious grants and awards for both herself and her students. Further, she is a consummate teacher and committed builder of the African American Theatre Program, the first and only accredited graduate program of its kind in the nation.”

Dawson-Edwards added that Burton, who joined the university in 1999 as an assistant professor, is also a dedicated interdisciplinarian, finding innovative ways to bring theater into conversation with other disciplines and other areas of expertise, for example, with the Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research. Burton is one of the institute’s most active faculty affiliates and supporters, regularly encouraging her students to apply for the social justice research awards offered annually and often bringing students into the institute’s reading room to learn little-known aspects of their shared local history.

“It is the greatest honor of my academic career to be chosen by my peers as the recipient of the 2023 Trustees Award,” said Burton, who will retire at the conclusion of the academic year. “This acknowledgement humbles me and fuels my commitment to uphold the Cardinal Principles and be an ally who fights for the well-being of our students, alums, colleagues and community.”

On April 18, Interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez and Interim Provost Gerry Bradley conferred the 2022 Presidential Excellence Awards during the Celebration of Faculty and Staff. The awards recognize the employees whose personal and professional commitments to student success impact the entire university community.

Here are this year’s winners.

Cardinal Principles Champions
The Cardinal Principles Champions award honors faculty and staff who demonstrate one of the Cardinal Principles at the highest level of impact.
• Kathy Meyer, Community of Care
• Asma Addarrat-Edwards, Accountability
• Leondra Gully, Respect
• Nakia Strickland, Diversity and Inclusion
• Avery Kolers, Integrity and Transparency
• Mani Vangalur, Noble Purpose
• Cecilia Peredo, Agility
• Dwayne Compton, Leadership

Distinguished Faculty Awards
These awards honor faculty who bring distinction to the university through their commitment to the areas of service, teaching and outstanding scholarship, research and creative activity.

Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity
• Jun Yan, School of Medicine, Basic and Applied Sciences
• Kristi Maxwell, College of Arts and Sciences, Creative and Performing Arts
• Donald Miller, School of Medicine, Career Achievement
• Manju Ahuja, College of Business, Social Sciences
• Andrew Rabin, College of Arts and Sciences, Humanities

Distinguished Service
• Chris Fitzgerald, School of Music, Service to UofL
• Fannie Cox, University Libraries, Career of Service
• Jose Fernandez, College of Business, Service to the Profession
• Anne Wallis, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, National/International Service
• Sharon Moore, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, Service to the Community, the Commonwealth and/or the Region

Distinguished Teaching Professor
• Matthieu Dalle, College of Arts and Sciences, Full-time
• Tamer Inanc, Speed School of Engineering, Full-time
• Kimcherie Lloyd, School of Music, Full-time
• John Wise, Sr., School of Medicine, Full-time
• Edgardo Mansilla, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, Part-time

George J. Howe Distinguished Staff Award
This award recognizes the contributions of an extraordinary UofL staff member who exemplifies the traits of its namesake George J. Howe (humility, generosity, and excellence in leadership) as well as the Cardinal Principles. This staff member’s career has had an exceptional impact on the university and its vision to be a great place to learn, work, and in which to invest.
• Marvin Mitchell, Senior Associate Athletic Director

Outstanding Performance Award
The Outstanding Performance Award recognizes university staff who inspire others through their outstanding dedication and commitment to UofL.
• John Burton, Library Specialist, University Libraries – Technical Services
• Connie Cox, Coordinator, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
• James Creg, Program Manager, Department of Continuing Medical ����ֱ��
• Robert Fry, Database Analyst, University Planning, Design & Construction
• Victoria King, Custodian, Physical Plant
• Colleen Martin, Director, Student Disability Resource Center
• Christy Metzger, Program Director, Student Success Center
• Betty Nunn, Administrative Specialist, Bioengineering
• Steven Riley, Scientific Instrumentation Specialist, Chemistry
• Vanessa Streble, Administrative Associate, UofL Innovation & Commercialization

Outstanding Supervisor Award
This award recognizes supervisors who create a culture of engagement that includes supporting the development of team members and sending a strong, consistent message of respect, compassion and trustworthiness.
• Amber Roberts, Director of Undergrad Academic Student Services, College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development Office of Undergraduate Advising and Student Development

Team Impact Award
Team impact Award winners honor a team of dedicated employees who work collaboratively to realize their vision.
• The Prevention, ����ֱ�� and Advocacy on Campus and in the Community (PEACC) Center – Tisha Pletcher, Lamont Johnson, Kathleen Elsherif, Kayla Ray and Alyssa Collina

Presidential Commission Awards

Commission on Diversity and Racial Equity
• Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award: Cynthia Ganote
• Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Staff Award: Shirley Wu
• CODRE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resident Leader Award: Abbas Rattani
• CODRE Commissioner of the Year Award: Maria Tinnell

Commission on the Status of Women
• COSW Catalyst: Karen Christopher
• COSW Champion of Advocacy: Stella Wang
• COSW Champion of Communications: Leondra Gully
• COSW Climate & Equity Champion: Riece Hamilton
• COSW Commissioner of the Year: Heidi Neal
• COSW Volunteer of the Year: Meagan West