2025 Presidential Excellence Awards showcase Cardinals' commitment to higher education

More than 3,000 UofL faculty and more than 5,000 staff commit their time and talent to support University of Louisville students from the moment they first arrive on campus to the moment they collect their diplomas at commencement.The UofL Employee Success Center conferred the 2025 Presidential Excellence Awards at a reception held April 17. The awards recognize employees whose exemplary performance impacts the entire university community.See photos of this year’s winners.Read more about the 2025 Presidential Excellence Awards winners.Here are this year’s winners:George J. Howe Distinguished Staff AwardThe 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.Linda Leake, instructional design and technology specialist III in the Delphi Center for Teaching and LearningTrustees AwardThe University of Louisville Board of Trustees established the Trustees Award in 1989 to honor faculty who impact the future of our students. The award recognizes faculty who have an extraordinary impact on students.Jasmine Farrier, professor of political science and director of the UofL-Frankfort Internship ProgramCardinal Principles ChampionsThe Cardinal Principles Champions Award is designed to honor our faculty and staff who demonstrate one of the Cardinal Principles at the highest level of impact.Community of Care: Lamar Braggs, Office of the RegistrarAccountability: Sneha Thapa, College of Education and Human DevelopmentRespect: VaSean Baker, Physical PlantDiversity and Inclusion: Melanie Gast, Department of SociologyIntegrity and Transparency: Dylan Naeger, Office of Undergraduate AdmissionsNoble Purpose: Bobby Cortes, Bachelor of Social Work ProgramAgility: Chris Sogard, Student Success CenterLeadership: Linda Fuselier, Department of BiologyDistinguished Faculty AwardsEvery 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 ActivityBasic and Applied Sciences: Jiapeng Huang, School of MedicineCreative and Performing Arts: Kevin Gawley, College of Arts & SciencesCareer Achievement: Jon Klein, School of MedicineSocial Sciences: Brad Shuck, College of Education and Human DevelopmentHumanities: Clare Sullivan, College of Arts and SciencesDistinguished ServiceService to UofL: Olfa Nasraoui, J.B. Speed School of EngineeringCareer of Service: Tom Owen, University LibrariesService to the Profession: Susan Peters, College of Education and Human DevelopmentService to the Community, the Commonwealth and/or the Region: Lindsay Della, College of Arts & SciencesNational/International Service: Jackson Williams, School of MedicineDistinguished Teaching ProfessorRebecca Gesler, School of Nursing, full-timeRachel Pigg, College of Arts and Sciences, full-timeJason Saleem, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, full-timeStaci Saner, School of Medicine, full-timeLinda Bledsoe, Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, part-timeOutstanding Performance AwardsThe Outstanding Performance Awards recognize university staff (both exempt and nonexempt) who inspire others through their outstanding dedication and commitment to UofL.Vanessa Blair, Office of the RegistrarLuke Button, Office of Human ResourcesAsa Douangasa, Physical PlantCourtney Gagel, Speed School AdministrationAnthony Hundley, Sociology, Political Science, Geographic and Environmental Sciences, AnthropologyJennifer Lee, Special Education, Early Childhood and Prevention ScienceGeri Morgan, Dean of Students OfficeJessie Voigt, Disability Resource CenterDakota Walker, Center for Military Connected StudentsHao Zhang, School of Medicine Faculty Affairs and AdvancementOutstanding Supervisor AwardGreat 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.Greg Vittitow, Student Success CenterTeam Impact AwardBehind 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.UofL Grounds Crew/Physical Plant: Greg Schetler, Superintendent for Grounds; Foremen, Eric Tennill and Wade Fleming; Grounds Mechanic, Jacob Chamberlain; Gardener, Brian Tennill; Groundskeepers, Arthur McKenzie, Cary Ferguson, Glen Hayes, Joseph Kaegin, Michael (Cory) Paul, Patrick Jones, Quintin Kruse, Ruben Clinkenbeard, Shane Blocker, Brian Nevitt, Chrisopher Karrer, Joshua Lewis, Lou Conley, Nick Boysel, Paul Ashmore, Ted Brodzik; Grounds Laborer, Michael GaddDistinguished Retiree Excellence AwardThis award pays tribute to retired UofL faculty and staff from throughout the UofL community who have demonstrated dedication to scholarship or community service that has had an exceptional impact on the university.Stanley Levinson, RetireePresidential Commission AwardsCommission on the Status of Women (COSW)Champion of Advocacy: Mallory Newby, Employee Success CenterChampion of Communications: Michelle Rodems, Graduate SchoolClimate & Equity Champion: Fannie M. Cox, University LibrariesCommissioner of the Year: Amanda James, Alumni EngagementVolunteer of the Year: Lisa Gunterman, Office of Institutional EquityCatalyst: Sarah Frankel, General CounselCommission on Diversity and Racial Equity (CODRE)Presidential Exemplary Multicultural Teaching Award: Samiyyah Sledge, Department of BiologyPresidential Exemplary Multicultural Engagement Staff Award: Leondra Gully, Office of Institutional EquityPresidential Exemplary Multicultural Engagement Staff Award: Mani Vangalur, J.B. Speed School of EngineeringCommissioner of the Year Award: Dwayne Compton, School of Medicine Office of the Dean