2026_HR_Staff & Faculty Awards_Program_v5

Staff & Faculty

THE 47 TH ANNUAL

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 | 2–4 P.M.

From Our President

Dear UHCL Colleagues,

Our 47th Annual Faculty and Staff Awards ceremony continues our proud tradition of honoring the dedication and accomplishments of our faculty and staff. This special occasion recognizes individuals whose professionalism, expertise, and years of service have profoundly contributed to student success and the advancement of UHCL. Through your individual and collective efforts, we are able to create the transformative educational experiences that empower our graduates to thrive personally and professionally.

I extend my sincere congratulations to this year’s honorees. Your commitment, hard work, and pursuit of excellence have made a lasting impact on our university community. Your achievements are deeply appreciated and serve as an inspiration to your colleagues and students alike. You embody the very mission of UHCL—to transform lives through education.

I also want to extend my gratitude to our retirees, whose dedication over the years has left an enduring legacy. Your knowledge, service, and contributions have shaped the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff, and we thank you for your lasting impact.

Congratulations once again to all of our honorees. May you continue to find purpose and pride in the meaningful work you do.

Sincerely,

Richard Walker, Ed.D. UHCL President

From Our Leadership Team

The success of our university is built on the daily dedication of faculty and staff across UHCL. Your work supports our students, strengthens our programs, and makes a real difference in our community. I’m grateful for your commitment—not only to our students, but also to one another. The kindness and support you show your colleagues helps create the kind of workplace we’re proud to be part of.

Today, we celebrate your service and achievements, and we say thank you for everything you do for UHCL. It is a privilege to recognize you and to be part of this community.

With sincere appreciation,

Dr. Edward R. Waller

Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Greetings Fellow Hawks,

It is an honor to warmly congratulate this year’s distinguished honorees and the UHCL community, whose unwavering dedication strengthens our university's foundation. Your collective efforts exemplify excellence and support our mission to "Inspire Higher.”

The individuals honored today embody the highest standards of service, leadership, and integrity. Their contributions illuminate the path for our students, colleagues, alumni, and partners, fostering a community where achievement is celebrated, innovation thrives, and the pursuit of knowledge is prioritized.

On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I sincerely thank you for your daily efforts to enrich the UHCL experience. Your dedication and passion elevate the learning and belonging that define our campus.

As we look toward the future, we renew our commitment to shaping a path rooted in purpose, progress, and possibility. Together, we will continue to rise and create a legacy that inspires and empowers generations of Hawks to come.

Dr. Tina Powellson

Vice President for Student Affairs

From Our Leadership Team

Dear UHCL Colleagues,

Today is a moment to pause and recognize something we don’t always see in the day to day. The cumulative impact of your work. Every interaction, every solved problem, every step forward contributes to something larger than any one role or department.

What stands out about this community is not just what you accomplish, but how you do it. There is a shared commitment to moving the university forward while supporting one another along the way. That balance is what makes UHCL distinct.

To those being recognized, your contributions reflect both consistency and care. You help create the kind of environment where people can do meaningful work and students can succeed.

To our retirees, thank you for the years you have invested in this university. Your impact will continue to be felt in the people, programs, and progress you helped shape.

Thank you for the role you play in shaping UHCL. It matters more than we often say.

With appreciation,

Joe Staley Vice President, University Advancement

Dear UH-Clear Lake Colleagues,

As we recognize you today, I want to thank you for the dedication and hard work you bring to our university community. Your commitment to our students and to UHCL makes a real difference.

Congratulations to those celebrating service milestones and retirements. Your contributions have shaped our institution and supported countless students.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence. You are valued members of our team.

Dr. Ann Theodori Vice President, Strategic Enrollment Management

From Our Leadership Team

Fellow Hawks,

Today, we recognize two distinguished groups within the UHCL community—our employees who have demonstrated exceptional performance and our colleagues who are retiring and transitioning to the next chapter of their lives.

To our Employee Honorees:

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and exemplary contributions. Your hard work strengthens our university and inspires those around you. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to celebrate your achievements.

To our Retirees:

We extend our sincere appreciation for your years of service and lasting impact on UHCL. Your leadership, expertise, and relationships have helped shape our institution. While we will miss your daily presence, your influence will continue to be felt across our campus.

It is a genuine honor to recognize the outstanding dedication and talent of our faculty and staff throughout the UHCL community. This annual celebration highlights the meaningful contributions that continue to advance our university’s mission.

We recognize that sustained success requires not only hard work and perseverance but also adaptability and collaboration in the face of challenges. Today’s awards provide a vital moment to come together, express our appreciation, and reaffirm that UHCL’s strength lies in the commitment of its people. Our progress and impact depend on you—your creativity, resilience, and unwavering focus on student success make all the difference.

Since joining UHCL in 2025, I have been continually inspired by the professionalism and spirit of our faculty and staff. It has been a true privilege to work alongside you as we address these realities together and build a sustainable path forward. Thank you for your efforts and for the essential role you play in keeping UHCL vibrant and mission-driven.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

Dr. Beth Lewis

Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UHCL at Pearland

Terry Hanson

Vice President for Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Celebrating You: Our Faculty & Staff

Program Events

ORDER OF PROGRAM SPEAKERS

Welcome/Recognition of Previous Winners and Retirees: Richard Walker, EdD

President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Presentation of Service Awards: Richard Walker, EdD

President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Joe Staley

Vice President, University Advancement

Tina Powellson, EdD

Vice President, Student Affairs

Edward R. Waller, PhD

Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Ann Theodori, EdD

Vice President, Strategic Enrollment Management

Beth Lewis, EdD

Associate Vice President, COO, Pearland

Terry Hanson

Vice President for Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Recognition of 2025 & Spring 2026

Retirees: Richard Walker, EdD

Presentation of President’s Staff

Merit Awards:

President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Richard Walker, EdD

President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Presentation of Hugh P. Avery Award: Richard Walker, EdD

Presentation of Outstanding Lecturer and Adjunct Awards:

Improving the Academy Awards:

President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Edward R. Waller, PhD

Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Stephen Cotten, PhD

Professor of Economics, College of Business, and Presiding Officer of the Faculty Council

Presentation of President’s Distinguished Faculty Awards: Richard Walker, EdD President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Early Career Awards: Kay L. Colley, APR, SCMP®

University Staff Association (USA) Remarks:

Executive Director, Center for Faculty Development

Daniela Valenzuela, President

Lupita Hernandez, Vice President

Michelle Mirpuri, Past President

Award Recipients

Five Year Awards

Joshua Baker Lecturer

Janice Bethany Lecturer

James Clardy Assistant Professor

Charity English Manager, Autism Services Program

Victoria Fletcher Manager, Autism Services Program

LeeBrian Gaskins

Sr. Associate VP, IT/CIO

Jennifer Grace

Associate Professor

Shivani Gupta

Assistant Professor

Kyle Hjorth

Chemist/Scientist

J’Naudia Hunter-Phillips Director, Accessibility Support Center

Regan Joswiak

Assistant Director, Writing Center

Elizabeth Lewis

Associate VP/COO, Pearland

Xinying Liu

Assistant Professor

Monica Martinez

Coordinator, Therapist/Outreach

Keila Mendez Caceres

Custodian

Christian Payne Sr. Grounds Keeper

Skylar Rolf

Assistant Professor

Jackie Rose

Administrative Assistant

Andrea Sears Division Business Administrator

Amanda Solis

Department Assistant

Antoinette Stewart Sr. Transfer Credit Analyst

Tamara Umana

Testing Specialist

Elizabeth Walsh

Clinical Assistant Professor Ten Years

Veronica Alderete Lead Custodian

Anne Anders

Associate Professor

Albert ‘Al’ Black Director, Emergency Management

Christina Cedillo Professor

Marietta Dahanayake Accountant

Soma Datta

Associate Professor

Natasha De Gracia Admissions Evaluator

Kimberly Duren

Department Assistant

Jonathan Everhart

Associate Professor

Betsy Flores Custodian

Maria Gallardo Lead Custodian

Anne Gessler

Clinical Associate Professor

Henry ‘Hank’ Grotewold Coordinator, Environmental Health & Safety

Dhammika Gunawardena Coordinator, Graduate Admissions

Jun Hao

Associate Professor

David Hilden Plumber

Henda Hsu

Associate Professor

Vanessa Johnson

Associate Professor

Brent Kice

Professor

Livia Kidd

Sr. International Student Counselor

Jiang Lu

Associate Professor

Brittany Matherne

Supervisor, Student Business Services

Kathaline Mullikin Accountant

Robert Phalen Professor

Jennifer Ray

Learning Tech Administrator

Teresa Rivas

Senior Lecturer

Sharnae Sanderson-Archer

Coordinator, Environmental Health & Safety

Cengiz Sisman

Professor

Yi Su

Associate Professor

Nanfei Sun

Assistant Professor

Steven Sutherland Professor

Omah Williams-Duncan

Associate Professor

Jingshan Xiao Associate Director, Technology & Research Management

Lauren Yandell Senior Lecturer

Lin Yi

Associate Professor

Se-Hyoung Yi Associate Professor

Richard Zalesak

Sr. Development Officer

Fifteen

Years

Megan Bearden Department Assistant

Ipek Bozkurt

Associate Professor

Martin Calderon

Supervisor, System/Network Infrastructure

Brittany Hamilton Education Abroad Advisor

Melissa Hernandez Director, Student Business Services

Samantha Houston Learning Technology Administrator

Lakeisha Johnson

Master Dispatcher

Bubba Jones Manager, Facilities Services

Sarah Lechago

Professor

Jian Lin

Associate Professor

Alex Milam

Associate Professor

Rita Patel

Sr. Academic Advisor

Maria Rodriguez

Administrative Assistant

Gregory Schroll

Supervisor, Academic Computing

Marlene Thomas Department Assistant

Twenty Years

Magdy Akladios

Professor

Mary Ayadi

Professor

Thinh Dang Accountant

Kathleen Garland Lecturer

Latosha Hawkins-Ford Admissions Evaluator

Michael Lacina

Professor

Jason Makepeace

Associate Professor

Kathryn Matthew Vice Provost

Jason Murasko

Professor

Miriam Qumsieh Director, Institutional Research

Araceli Rodriguez

Custodian

Twenty-Five Years

James Dabney

Professor

Matthew Fendley

Coordinator, Computing Lab Systems

Thomas Fox

Associate Professor

Award Recipients

Gokhan Gercek

Professor

April Harris

Executive Assistant

Cindy Lamb

Accountant

Alexandra MacDermott

Associate Professor

Carol Pruitt

Administrative Assistant

Michael Smith

Sr. Systems Specialist

Mary Washington Manager, Space Inventory

Jana Willis

Professor

Chunlong Zhang

Professor

Thirty Years

Sharon Andrews

Professor

Debra ‘Debbie’ Carpenter

Executive Director, Auxiliary & Procurement

Phillip Decker

Professor

Lois Lewis

Administrative Assistant

John McMullen

Professor

L. Jean Walker

Professor

2025 & Spring 2026 Retirees

Mark Adams 2000–2025

Sue ‘Charise’ Armstrong 2002–2025

Kimberly August 2009–2025

Milagros ‘Mila’ Bautista 2018–2025

Yvette Bendeck 1988-2026

Janice Bethany 2002-2026

Susan Clark 2012–2025

Cynthia Cook 1999–2025

Yolanda Edmond 2023–2025

Karen Elliott 2014–2025

Kathleen Garland 2005-2026

Gokhan Gercek 1989-2026

Patricia Gibson 2014–2025

Olga Gonzalez-Wong 1985–2025

Lisa Gossett 1993-2026

Javier Gutierrez 1994–2025

Barbara Hales 2002-2026

James Helm 1998–2025

Beth Hentges 2000–2025

Norman Hilburn 2017–2025

Margarita Jones 2010–2025

Barbara Kelley 2007–2025

Raymond Khoury 2009–2025

Diana Leggins 2021–2026

Michael Livingston 1997–2025

Shelly Matejka 2018–2025

Deborah Mitchell 2007–2025

Janice Newsum 2017–2025

Veronica Ortiz 2004–2025

Charles Phillips, Jr. 2014–2025

Richard Puzdrowski 1999-2026

Beryl Ricard 2012–2025

Rebecca Rivera Saldana 2014–2026

Larry Rohde 1999-2026

Debra Ross 2014–2025

Cynthia Saltzman 2011–2025

Catalina Sanchez Rojas 2000–2025

Charito Steed 2004–2025

Jewel Story 1993–2025

Eliseo Torres 2016–2025

Maria Vargas 1999–2025

Laura Velie 2008–2025

Paul Wagner 1979-2026

Laurie Weaver 1988-2026

Sandra ‘Sandy’ Windham 2015–2026

Kwon-Bun Yue 1988-2026

Xiaoman Zhang 2001–2025

Special Recognition Awards

Hugh P. Avery Award

The Hugh P. Avery Prize – President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award was created to recognize and honor those individuals who have served the university in an exemplary manner. This is the highest honor the University of Houston-Clear Lake can bestow upon a staff employee. The first award was presented in March of 1982. In 1991, University of Houston-Clear Lake renamed the President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award to the Hugh P. Avery Prize in honor of the late Hugh P. Avery, originator of the program. He served as an inspiration and pattern of excellence for all staff members.

Nominations for this honor may be submitted by any member of the university community. The Staff Awards Nomination Selection Committee reviews the nominations and selects the top five to continue to the next step. The selected finalists are submitted to the President for approval.

The Hugh P. Avery winner receives a plaque and $1,000. The additional finalists receive Staff Service Merit Award plaques and $500.

2025 Award Recipients

Hugh P. Avery Award

Allan Patrolia, Manager, System Operations – FMC

Staff Merit Award

Monica Saucier, Administrative Assistant, Department of Engineering

Cassandra Heslep, Director, Financial Aid Office

Lupita Hernandez, Asst. Director, Student Engagement

Sarah Valadez, Administrative Assistant, College of Human Sciences & Humanities

Outstanding Educators & Improving The Academy

Awards for Outstanding Adjunct and Outstanding Lecturer began in 2009. These awards are based on excellence in teaching and service. Only a faculty member may nominate a colleague for each of these awards. A committee, comprised of faculty designated by the Office of the Provost, reviews each nomination. A monetary award of $500 complements these honors.

The Outstanding Adjunct Award recognizes excellence in teaching. The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes exemplary accomplishment in teaching and service by embodying a model of substantive learning and rapport with students and extending services to the Gulf Coast Region and the University.

The Improving the Academy award highlights a faculty member who demonstrates collegial, inspirational, and inclusive efforts towards instilling a positive institutional environment. This award recognizes an individual who consistently supports or collaborates with UHCL peers, across colleges, through efforts that enhance the professional climate and culture of UHCL.

2025 Award Recipients

Outstanding Adjunct Award

Dr. Deani Quick, Adjunct, Curriculum & Instruction

Outstanding Lecturer Award

Dr. Nelson Carter, Senior Lecturer of Mathematics

Improving the Academy Award

Dr. Christine Walther, Assoc. Dean of HSH and Professor of Psychology

Special Recognition Awards

President’s Distinguished Faculty Awards

The President’s Distinguished Faculty Awards program was initiated in 1983. It is designed to recognize the outstanding achievements of faculty members in the areas of teaching, research, and service.

Only a faculty member may nominate a colleague for a specific award through a letter detailing reasons for the nomination. Selection is made by a committee designated by the President. The Committee sends letters to nominees who in their judgment merit further consideration, inviting nominees to submit supportive evidence consistent with guidelines developed by the Committee.

Subsequent to receiving information from the nominee, the Committee may invite a faculty member from the nominee’s academic area to comment on the nominee’s discipline-specific contributions, if the Committee members are without experience in the academic area in question. The three Distinguished Faculty Awards are as follows:

UH-Clear Lake Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes exemplary accomplishments in the craft of teaching, wherein the recipient is recognized as a master teacher by his or her peers. A master teacher is a model of substantive learning and rapport with students. A monetary award of $5,000 complements this honor.

UH-Clear Lake Distinguished Research Award recognizes professional accomplishment in a discipline or field through published work, exhibitions, or similar activity, as recognized by peers for high contribution to the intellectual growth of an academic area. A monetary award of $1,500 complements this honor.

UH-Clear Lake Distinguished Service Award recognizes singular accomplishments in professional service beyond that of colleagues either in extending university services to the Houston Metropolitan Area and Gulf Coastal Region, to professional organizations, or combinations of these. A monetary award of $1,500 complements this honor.

2025 Award Recipients

Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Xiaokun Yang, Associate Professor of Computer Engineering

Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Roberta Leal, Assistant Professor of Social Work

Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. RJ Davis, Associate Professor of Counseling

From left to right:

Outstanding Lecturer

Dr. Nelson Carter, Senior Lecturer of Mathematics

Staff Merit Award

Cassandra Heslep, Director, Financial Aid Office

Staff Merit Award

Lupita Hernandez, Asst. Director, Student Engagement

Distinguished Research

Dr. Xiaokun Yang, Associate Professor of Computer Engineering

Improving the Academy

Dr. Christine Walther, Assoc. Dean of HSH and Professor of Psychology

Staff Merit Award

Monica Saucier, Administrative Assistant, Department of Engineering

Hugh P. Avery Award

Allan Patrolia, Manager, System Operations – FMC

Distinguished Teaching

Dr. RJ Davis, Associate Professor of Counseling

Outstanding Adjunct

Dr. Deani Quick, Adjunct, Curriculum & Instruction

Distinguished Service

Dr. Roberta Leal, Assistant Professor of Social Work

Not pictured:

Staff Merit Award

Sarah Valadez, Administrative

Assistant, College of Human Sciences & Humanities

University Staff Association

The University Staff Association is dedicated to advancing UHCL’s mission by fostering a service-oriented, collaborative environment while advocating for staff success and engagement. Through networking, scholarships, and professional development, USA empowers its members to grow personally and professionally.

On behalf of USA, we congratulate all of today’s award recipients and thank you for the dedication and positive impact you make on our campus every day.

Hawk Spirit Award

The Hawk Spirit Award recognizes the hard-working and talented UHCL staff who create positive change and showcase their Hawk spirit across campus. Each month, staff are invited to nominate peers who demonstrate campus engagement, volunteerism, and a commitment to moving the university forward.

In the last year, USA proudly presented seven Hawk Spirit Awards to the following exceptional staff members.

Audrey Pena

Nomso Eze

Randy Baggett

Maggie Alix

Pallavi Tetali

Venus Turner

UHCL Custodians

Evangelina Gomez

Joanne Slovacek

David Losoya

To nominate a UHCL staff member for the Hawk Spirit Award, please submit your nomination via email to usa@uhcl.edu with “Hawk Spirit Award Nomination” as your subject line.

2025–2026 USA Executive Board

Daniela Valenzuela, President

Lupita Hernandez, Vice President

Michelle Mirpuri, Past President

Thu Le, Recording Officer

Payna Milliner, Treasurer

Ashley Suge, Marketing & Outreach Chair

Johnathan Davis, Welcome and Outreach Chair

Marietta Dahanayake, Fundraising Chair

Luis de Leon Polanco, Scholarship Chair

Mary Shelley, Program Planning Chair

Ashley Connelley, Program Planning Co-Chair

Calvin Nguyen, University Event Chair

Shannon Samuelson, Professional Development Chair

Theresa Rodriguez, Campus Bookstore

Advisory Board Representative

Maggie Alix, Campus Recreation

Advisory Board Representative

Larisa Landry, Campus Recreation Advisory Board Representative

Kimberly Duren, Dining Advisory Committee Representative

USA Staff Scholarship Recipients 2025–2026

The University Staff Association offers scholarships specifically for UHCL professional and support staff, supporting the pursuit of academic excellence, degree completion, and career growth. Among these is the Maria Guadalupe Torres Scholarship, established in memory of Maria Guadalupe Torres and born from a beloved UHCL tradition — the Tamale Breakfast Table fundraiser started by her daughter Daisy and colleague Margaret Moreno.

This year, USA is proud to present close to $4,500 in scholarships, including Professional Development Scholarships, to the following recipients.

Maria Guadalupe Torres Scholarship Recipients – 2025-2026

Daniela

Valenzuela

Matthew Perry

Theresa Rodriguez

Priscilla Gonzalez

Venus Turner

Interested in applying? Applications for the Maria Guadalupe Torres Scholarship typically open in December and are open to all full-time, benefits-eligible UHCL staff who have completed their HR probationary period and are enrolled in credit-based courses at an accredited institution. Financial need is not a factor. Visit the University Staff Association webpage for application details and deadlines.

To learn more about USA scholarships, engagement activities, and initiatives that support UHCL staff , visit the University Staff Association webpage at www.uhcl.edu/faculty-staff/university-staff-association