UCO Celebrates Faculty and Staff at 2025 Fall Convocation
Aug. 18, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma honored faculty and staff for their contributions to the Central community at its annual Faculty and Staff Convocation.
The event featured UCO President Todd G. Lamb, who kicked off the 2025-26 academic year with an energetic, positive address, thanking the university’s faculty and staff for their dedication, sharing his vision for the future of the university and introducing the university’s new companion mascot, Buck Broncho.
President Lamb and Charlotte K. Simmons, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, presented several awards to faculty and staff during the event.
Recipients of the Faculty Merit Credit Awards, presented in the categories of research and service are:
- Caleb Lack, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies in the category of research
- Morshed Khandaker, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science in the category of research
- Mohammad Hossan, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science in the category of research
- Sanjeewa Gamagedara, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science in the category of research
- Heloisa Cursi Campos, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies in the category of service
- Kristin Karber, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science in the category of service
The Making a Difference Award is given to a randomly selected faculty or staff member who has donated to the university within the past calendar year. The recipient gets to choose a reserved parking spot anywhere on campus. The 2025 recipient is Debra Clark, W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute.
The Vanderford Undergraduate Research Award is given to a faculty member in support of undergraduate research, creative and scholarly activity. The award is funded by the estate of Central alumni Austin and Cleo Patra Vanderford. The 2025 recipient is Sanjeewa Gamagedara, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science.
The Vanderford Engagement Awards are given to faculty for demonstrating exceptional leadership. Recipients are chosen by the university president. The 2025 recipients are:
- Caleb Lack, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies
- Danielle Herrington, D.M.A., College of Fine Arts and Design
The Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, funded by Central graduate J. Gail Neely, M.D., in honor of his parents, El Roy C. Neely and Lucile Hawker Neely, recognizes faculty for a hunger for knowledge and support of education. The 2025 Neely Award recipients are:
- Stephanie Jones, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science
- Jennifer Schmitz, J.D., W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute
The Herbert S. Dordick Award for an Outstanding Mentor is given to a faculty or staff member for mentoring students in their freshman year. Established in 1998, the award honors Herbert S. Dordick, Ph.D., beloved mentor of Robert Epstein, Ph.D., UCO professor emeritus of management. The 2025 Dordick Award recipients are Michelle Haynie, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science, and Stephanie Driver, Academic Advisement.
The Modeling the Way Awards are given to three members of the UCO community who consistently lead by example and live the mission, values and goals of the university. The 2025 Modeling the Way recipients are:
- Caroline Bentley, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science
- Thomas Jourdan, Ph.D., W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute
- Amanda Brooks, Finance and Operations
The Vanderford Initiative Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional initiative in support of the values of character, civility and community – or the three "Cs" – along with leadership and creativity. This year's recipient is Michael Springer, Ph.D., Office of High-Impact Practices.
The Citizens Bank of Edmond Leadership and Civic Engagement Award is given to a faculty or staff member that leads by example and is involved in the community. This year's recipient is Jaime Burns, Ph.D., School of Criminal Justice.
The Exceptional Performance Awards are given to staff members that reflect the innovative, passionate and student-centered focus that Central embraces. This year's recipients are:
- Deborah Price, Enrollment Management
- Flynn King, Enrollment and Student Success
- Kaitlyn Palone, Max Chambers Library
The Exceptional Group Performance Award is an award given to a group or unit that passionately reflects the innovative and student-centered focus of Central. This year's award winner is Brian Lamb, D.M.A., and the UCO Marching Band.
The Masonic Endowment Foundation Transformative Learning Awards, presented by the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, are given to organizations that exemplify the university's commitment to providing transformative learning experiences to its students. This year's winners are:
- Beyond the Classroom: OneHealth Field Research, Christopher Goodchild, Ph.D., Michelle Haynie, Ph.D., and Richard Dolman
- Business Ambassadors Program, Niccole Miller, Ph.D., and Jordan Wisdom
- Cook and Learn: Food 4 Life, Linda Harris, Ed.D., Sunshine Cowan, Ph.D., Tawni Holmes, Ph.D., and Hope Russell
The MidFirst Bank Presidential Award in Applied Leadership is given to an individual or individuals with outstanding contributions to the goals, objectives and high standards of professionalism at UCO. The 2025 recipient is Lt. Col. Shaun McIntosh, UCO ROTC.
Also presented was the Army ROTC Outstanding Collaborator Award. This year’s recipient was Eric Conchola, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies.
For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit www.uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma honored faculty and staff for their contributions to the Central community at its annual Faculty and Staff Convocation. Pictured from left to right: Jill Castilla, president and CEO Citizens Bank of Edmond, and Jaime Burns, Ph.D., UCO School of Criminal Justice, pose for a photo with UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
