UofL’s 2024 Presidential Excellence Awardees raise the bar for quality education

April 24, 2024

The time, effort and energy that University of Louisville faculty and staff commit to making UofL a great place to learn, discover, connect and work cannot be overstated. More than 3,000 faculty bring the best of themselves to campus every day to give students a positive higher education experience. Additionally, more than 5,000 staff work together to keep the university operating efficiently.

The UofL Employee Success Center conferred the 2024 Presidential Excellence Awards during the awards reception, which took place April 18. The awards recognize the employees whose exemplary performance impacts the entire university community.

See photos of this year’s winners.

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 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, discover, connect and work.

Angela Taylor, associate vice president for student affairs and assistant dean of students

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.

Jennifer Brueckner-Collins, professor, Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, School of Medicine

Cardinal Principles Champions
The Cardinal Principles Champions award is designed to honor our faculty and staff who have demonstrated one of the Cardinal Principles at the highest level of impact.

Community of Care: Paige Shank, Early Learning Campus
Accountability: Elise Franklin, Department of History, College of Arts & Sciences,
Respect: Lance Flint, Dean's Office, College of Education and Human Development
Diversity and Inclusion: Jennifer M. Porter, School of Medicine
Integrity and Transparency: Jessica Belue Buckley, Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development, College of Education and Human Development
Noble Purpose: Taylor L. Pratt, LEAD, SKILLS Collaborative
Agility: Allysse Marie Stokes, Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
Leadership: Riece Hamilton, Health Promotion

Distinguished Faculty Awards
Every year, the university honors 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

Basic and Applied Sciences: Sanjay Srivastava, School of Medicine
Creative and Performing Arts: Emily Albrink Katz, School of Music
Career Achievement: Steven C. Koenig, School of Medicine and Speed School of Engineering
Social Sciences: Cheri A. Levinson, College of Arts and Sciences
Humanities: Andreas Elpidorou, College of Arts and Sciences

Distinguished Service

Service to UofL: Peter M. Quesada, Speed School of Engineering
Career of Service: Ronald I. Paul, School of Medicine
Service to the Profession: Eli Karam, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
Service to the Community, the Commonwealth and/or the Region: Michael Brandon McCormack, College of Arts & Sciences

Distinguished Teaching Professor

Aaron William Calhoun, School of Medicine, full-time
Caroline C. Sheffield, College of Education and Human Development, full-time
Siobhan E. Smith-Jones, College of Arts and Sciences, full-time
Stuart J. Williams, Speed School of Engineering, full-time
Elizabeth Gentry, Speed School of Engineering, part-time

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

Debbie Aldi, Physical Plant
Rebecca Barrett, School of Nursing
Mary Ann Campbell, Center for Military Connected Students
Geeta Gulati, Student Affairs
Jetta Hall, Office of Admissions
Paula T. Huffman, Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Sciences
Courtney Kerr, Graduate School
Troy Lamont Rice, Office of Admissions-Transfer and Adult Services
Donnie Thomas, Physical Plant
Marissa Williams, Student Success Center

Outstanding Supervisor Award Winner
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.

Brittany Blake, undergraduate affairs, Speed School of Engineering

Team Impact Award Winners
Behind every great accomplishment at the University of Louisville is a team of dedicated employees who worked collaboratively to realize their vision. This exceptional team has had a great impact on the university. As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work.

College of Education and Human Development Summer Bridge Team (Elementary/Middle & Secondary and Health & Sport Sciences): Penny Howell, Kate Marin, Megan Shreffler, Katie Harman, Gin Presley, Greta Cesarz, Mike Jett

Presidential Commission Awards

Commission on the Status of Women (COSW)

Champion of Advocacy: Olfa Nasraoui, Speed School of Engineering
Champion of Communications: Baylee Pulliam, Office of Research and Innovation
Climate & Equity Champion: Brian Buford, Employee Success Center
Commissioner of the Year: Rennie Davis, Metropolitan College
Volunteer of the Year: Cherie Dawson-Edwards, Faculty Affairs
Catalyst: Anita R. Hall, University Libraries

Commission on Diversity and Racial Equity (CODRE)

Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award: Luis Marsano, School of Medicine
Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Engagement Staff Award: Diane Whitlock, Office of Institutional Equity
Commissioner of the Year Award: Marian R. Vasser, Office of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence