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. Award winners have an exceptional impact on the university and its vision of being a great place to learn, discover, connect and work.

Leake, a computer specialist, Blackboard technical support trainer and instructional designer at UofL’s Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, was presented with the award at the reception, which took place April 17.

From the nominations which were submitted in support of Leake, her colleagues said that her expertise and contributions have empowered faculty to create dynamic and accessible online learning environments that improve student engagement and outcomes and ensure that the university remains at the forefront of digital learning innovations.

Nominations also pointed to Leake’s extraordinary work ethic, technical expertise and dedication to a job well-done. As one nomination noted: “If universities had a heart, Linda is the heart of the Cards family.”

“I am honored to have received this award,” said Leake, who also serves on the University of Louisville Staff Senate. “I am so surprised that many feel that I am worthy of such a great honor. I am surprised at so many wonderful faculty and staff wanted to say that I made an impact on them and in turn their students.”

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 annual 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 and its vision of being a great place to learn, work and in which to invest.

Mitchell, senior associate athletic director for student services and diversity, was presented with the award at the 2022 Presidential Excellence Awards banquet, which took place April 18. At its April 21 meeting, the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, along with Interim Athletic Director Josh Heird, acknowledged the award and thanked Mitchell for his service.

“What Marvin means to this university and how much respect his staff have for him, how much respect students have for him, it’s just unbelievable,” said Heird. “To think about the lives he has touched and the student athletes who have come through this place over the past 22 years, I can promise you every one of them remembers, knows and cares about Marvin; but more importantly Marvin remembers, knows and cares about every one of them.”

Mitchell serves as the department’s chief diversity officer and has oversight of academic services, continuing eligibility, student development, student-athlete programming and the Thorntons Academic Center of Excellence operations. He also is the sport administrator for the Cardinals’ track and field and cross-country programs.

“I want to thank everyone who nominated me and recognized the work that I have done over the years,” said Mitchell, who was the school’s first associate athletic director in academics. “I received a lot of special notes from students since the award was announced, and it’s really something to see how my work has impacted so many people.”

Under Mitchell’s leadership, academic success for student-athletes has flourished at UofL. More than half of all student-athletes are consistently named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average each semester. Graduation rates for student-athletes have improved to all-time highs. Computer access, tutorial services, objective-based study halls and a new student retention program are among the significant advancements since Mitchell’s arrival.

and join us in congratulating him for his ongoing success.

President Neeli Bendapudi and Provost Beth Boehm conferred the awards during the Celebration of Faculty and Staff. Those awards included the Distinguished Faculty Awards, Outstanding Performance Award, Supervisor of the Year, Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Engagement Staff Award, Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award and the George Howe Distinguished Staff Award.��

This year’s list of winners is included below.

Awards for Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity

• Kryzysztof Wolek, School of Music
• Ayman El-Baz, J.B. Speed School of Engineering
• Crystal Collins-Camargo, Kent School of Social Work
• Rhonda Buchanan, College of Arts & Sciences
• Xiang Zhang, College of Arts & Sciences

Awards for Distinguished Service

• Armon Perry, Kent School of Social Work
• Frederick Luzzio, College of Arts & Sciences
• Montray Smith, School of Nursing
• Tom Lawson, Kent School of Social Work
• Anita Barbee, Kent School of Social Work

Awards for Distinguished Teaching

• Ariana Levinson, Brandeis School of Law
• Larry Michalczyk, Kent School of Social Work
• Lenore Hoyt, College of Arts & Sciences
• Diane Chlebowy, School of Nursing
• Jennifer Bobo, Kent School of Social Work�� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� ��

2019 Outstanding Performance Awards

• Angela Taylor, Dean of Students Office
• Aimee Greene, Delphi Center
• Hung Nguyen, Department of English
• Danny Carter, Physical Plant
• Karen Blake, Planning, Design & Construction
• Amanda Cunningham, Psychological & Brain Studies
• Greg Vittitow, Student Success Center
• Brenda Curry-White, Undergraduate Admissions

��2019 Supervisor of the Year Award

• Becky Patterson, Institutional Research & Planning

2019 Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Engagement Staff Award

• ��Marian Vasser, Diversity ����ֱ�� and Inclusive Excellence

2019 Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award

• Kaila Adia Story, Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies/Pan African Studies��

George Howe Distinguished Staff Award��

• Stuart Neff, Office of Student Involvement

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