Celebrating the 2024 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Chancellor's Awards for Excellence winners! The annual awards recognize individuals and groups for their exceptional service to our university community, highlighting the great work that happens in classrooms, labs, the field, inside offices, conference rooms and on campus grounds across UAA every day.

The five award categories align with the aspirations outlined in the UAA 2027 Strategic Plan. The awards are open to employees at all UAA campuses, with most categories recognizing recipients from both the Anchorage campus and a community campus. Award nominations are submitted by UAA employees and reviewed by committees of peers for each category.

This year's winners were announced by UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell at Faculty and Staff Convocation on Friday, Aug. 23, and celebrated at a special luncheon at the Varsity Sports Grill on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Students-First Award

For demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing a culture of institutional excellence that inspires and enables student achievement and success.

Faculty winners:

• Benjamin Rush, assistant professor of outdoor leadership, Prince William Sound College
• Kristin Stoepler, assistant professor and B.S. in health sciences program coordinator, UAA Anchorage campus

Staff winners:

• Richelle Frankovic-Spencer, admissions counselor, Kenai Peninsula College
• Bernie Irish,advising and student support specialist, Prince William Sound College
• Cameron Nay, executive director, Learning Commons, UAA Anchorage campus

Administrative Excellence Award

For exercising leadership, initiative and outstanding teamwork capabilities that create a positive atmosphere and consistently performing at a level above normal job requirements to advance a culture of institutional excellence that inspires and enables student, faculty and staff success.

Winner:

• Stephanie Ahern, strategic budget officer, UAA Anchorage campus

Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

For outstanding contribution to the advancement of diversity of UAA students, staff and faculty by increasing the visibility and representation of diverse voices through creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and community.

Winners:

• Rachael Hannah, associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, UAA Anchorage campus
• Claudia Jones, English and Humanities professor, Mat-Su College

Research and Creative Activity Award

For outstanding contribution to growth in research, creative activity and commercialization at UAA with impacts that benefit our state and communities.

Winners:

• Amanda Glazier, assistant professor of biology and environmental science, Prince William Sound College
• Don Rearden, professor and chair of the Department of Writing, UAA Anchorage campus

Chancellor's Choice Award (Philanthropy)

Highlighting individuals who have advanced philanthropic giving to UAA and celebrating those who build community partnerships and show leadership and stewardship with donors.

Winners:

• LeeAnne Carrothers, assistant dean for the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences, UAA Anchorage campus
• Nancy Castro, financial aid coordinator, Kodiak College
• Terry Fields, associate professor of management and director of the Weidner Property Management and Real Estate Program, UAA Anchorage campus

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