UCO Recognizes Faculty and Staff at the 2026 Fall Convocation
Aug. 19, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma recently recognized 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 2026-27 academic year with an energetic, positive address, thanking the university’s faculty and staff for their dedication and sharing his vision for the university's future.
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, teaching and service, are:
- Michelle Haynie, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science, in the category of research
- Jicheng Fu, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science, in the category of research
- Amy Jacobson-Peters, M.F.A., College of Fine Arts and Design, in the category of teaching
- Laura Dumin, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts in the category of service
The Making a Difference Award is given to a randomly selected faculty and staff member who has donated to the university within the past calendar year. The recipients get to choose a reserved parking spot anywhere on campus. The 2026 recipients are Angie Willis, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science, and Sarah Ward, University Communications.
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 2026 recipient is Benjamin Tayo, 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 2026 recipients are:
- Erika Williams, College of Liberal Arts
- Kanika Bhargava, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies
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 2026 Neely Award recipients are:
- Matthew Parks, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science
- Meagan Raddatz, Forensic Science Institute
The Herbert S. Dordick Award for an Outstanding Mentor is given to faculty or staff members 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 2026 Dordick Award recipients are Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies, and Dawn Lindblade-Evans, D.M.A., College of Fine Arts and Design.
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 2026 Modeling the Way recipients are:
- Laura Dumin, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts
- Jicheng Fu, Ph.D., College of Mathematics and Science
- Mary Matlock, Advancement
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 recipients are Shay Rahm, Academic Affairs, and Kimberly Kavanagh, Advancement.
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 Jason Nelson, Public Affairs.
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:
- Bradley Keim, College of Liberal Arts
- Jennifer Harrison, College of Education and Professional Studies
- John Hensel, College of Mathematics and Science
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 Fred Fieth and the Physical Plant.
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:
- Runner-Up: Broncho Bites Food Recovery Program, Susan Woods, Ph.D., Nicole Doherty, Lauren Bieri and Zane Henderson
- First Place: Think Like an Entrepreneur Day, Jordan Wisdom, Niccole Miller, Ph.D., and Amy Lee
- First Place: PETE: Transformative Leadership Initiative, Stephanie Canada-Phillips, Ph.D.
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 2026 recipient is Rachelle Franz, Ed.D., College of Education and Professional Studies.
Also presented were the Vanderford Teaching Awards to faculty members during their academic college meetings. The 2026 recipients are:
- Jaclyn Maass, Ph.D., College of Education and Professional Studies
- Saheli Nath, Ph.D., College of Business
- Cody Wilkerson, College of Mathematics and Science
- Vanessa Bentley, Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts
- Carly O’Brien, M.F.A., College of Fine Arts and Design
For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit www.uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma recently recognized 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 2026-27 academic year with an energetic, positive address, thanking the university’s faculty and staff for their dedication and sharing his vision for the university's future. Pictured, President Lamb presents Bradley Keim the Exceptional Performance Award.
