This year, more than 700 students submitted recommendations for Student Champion Awards, yielding 547 recipients representing several schools, colleges and offices.

“A UofL diploma represents a communal investment in academic, professional and personal success,” said interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, who as provost initiated the Student Champion Award program in 2021. “As our students succeed, so does our university. My thanks and congratulations to the winners of this year’s Student Champion Award.”

The College of Arts & Sciences received the most nominations, with student submissions recognizing 173 faculty and staff across multiple departments. Students also recognized 63 employees in the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, 45 employees in the School of Medicine and 33 employees in the College of Business.

Raymond Chastain, associate professor in the College of Arts & Sciences, Amy Hirschy and Susan Longerbeam, both associate professors in the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, and Leondra Gully, director of the Cultural Center, received the most acknowledgements from the student body.

“Our Student Champion Award recipients demonstrate the kind of faculty and staff that make UofL a great place to learn,” said interim Provost Gerry Bradley. “Their commitment exemplifies the Cardinal Principles of Community of Care and Noble Purpose. The support they provided and the relationships they developed were vital to the university’s mission.”

All faculty and staff names that were submitted as Student Champions can be viewed [PDF].

“We have so many employees who are dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences for you. Many have really gone above and beyond expectations to provide support to you as you navigated this very difficult year. I want to bring attention to these individuals on our campus who have been steadfast in their support when it was most needed. As provost, it is important for me to know who on our campus has provided critical support to help you succeed.”

Over 1,100 students submitted the two-minute survey provided in the provost’s email, yielding 778 different faculty and staff member names. This inaugural recognition effort from the provost’s office honored all the nominated employees as Student Champions. Twenty-one schools, colleges and offices were represented in the 778 Student Champions.

The College of Arts and Sciences boasted the most nominations, with student submissions recognizing 243 faculty and staff across multiple departments within A&S. Students also recognized 87 employees in the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, 61 employees from the School of Medicine, and 50 employees from the J.B. Speed School of Engineering as Student Champions.

Many recipients of the award received multiple acknowledgements from the student body. , director of Multiple Pathways and assistant professor with the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, was nominated by 14 different students – the most of any employee. , a clinical assistant professor also with College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, received 12 acknowledgements and , an academic advisor with A&S, received eight student submissions.

In order to facilitate a student-first culture at the university, the recognition of the Student Champions and their contributions toward making UofL a great place to learn will be conducted annually. Student Champions and the leaders of their respective colleges, schools and offices were recognized by Provost Gonzalez and President Bendapudi via email, and a certificate honoring their commitment to student success will be awarded to them later this summer.

All faculty and staff names that were submitted as Student Champions can be viewed