2025
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE
FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS
Wednesday, April 23 | 2-4 p.m.
SOARING.
LAUNCHED IN 1974. STILL
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
DEAR UHCL COLLEAGUES,
Our 46th 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
DEAR FACULTY AND STAFF,
The success of our university is built on the collective dedication and hard work of individuals across our entire community. Every day, your efforts transform the lives of our students and positively impact the region we serve. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment—not only to our students but also to one another. The kindness, compassion, and support you extend to your colleagues create an environment that uplifts us all.
Today, we celebrate your many achievements and express our heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable contributions you make to UHCL. It is an honor to be part of such a remarkable community, united in our mission to make a lasting impact.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Christopher Maynard, Ph.D. Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
GREETINGS FELLOW HAWKS,
With immense pride and admiration, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s honorees and the UHCL community. Each of you plays an integral role in our institution's continued success and growth. Together, we will advance our mission of “inspire higher.”
The individuals being recognized today exemplify exceptional talent, dedication, and a deep commitment to our students' success, colleagues, alumni, and university partners. Your efforts serve as a beacon of inspiration, fostering an environment where our Hawks are empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I sincerely thank you for your remarkable service to UHCL. Your passion for our institution and pursuit of excellence are cultivating a campus culture that continues to build a prestigious learning environment.
As we evolve, we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will soar to new heights and create legacies of success and achievement that will inspire future generations of Hawks.
Dr. Tina Powellson Vice President for Student Affairs
FROM OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
DEAR UH-CLEAR LAKE COLLEAGUES,
Today, we celebrate the impact of those who go above and beyond in advancing our mission through service, teaching, leadership, and care for our students and one another. Your work not only supports UHCL’s success, but it also strengthens the communities we serve.
In University Advancement, we often speak about the power of connection between people, ideas, and opportunities. The colleagues we recognize today exemplify that spirit. Your commitment creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond our campus, touching the lives of students, alumni, partners, and future generations.
To the recipients of this year’s President’s Distinguished Faculty Awards, Staff Service and Merit Awards, and the Outstanding Adjunct and Lecturer Awards—thank you for setting a standard of excellence that inspires all of us.
To our retirees, thank you for the time, energy, and heart you’ve invested in this university. Your legacy endures in every life you’ve touched, and we hope UHCL will always feel like home.
And to the families, friends, and loved ones who stand behind our honorees—your support makes all this possible. We share our gratitude with you.
With appreciation,
Joe Staley Vice President, University Advancement
DEAR UH-CLEAR LAKE COLLEAGUES,
As we honor you today, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication and effort you bring to our university community. Your commitment to our students and to UHCL makes a meaningful difference every day. To those celebrating service milestones and retirements, congratulations on your remarkable achievements! Your contributions have helped shape our institution and the experiences of countless students. Thank you for your exemplary work and continued commitment to excellence. You are truly valued members of our team.
Dr. Ann Theodori Vice President, Strategic Enrollment Management
FROM OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
FELLOW HAWKS,
Today, we’re here to celebrate and appreciate two really special groups at UHCL—our incredible employees who have gone above and beyond, and our colleagues who are stepping into the next chapter of their lives with retirement.
To our Employee Honorees: You’ve put in so much hard work, dedication, and heart into everything you do. Your efforts haven’t just helped UHCL succeed—they’ve inspired everyone around you. Today, we’re here to say thank you and celebrate all the amazing things you’ve accomplished. We’re lucky to have you on the team!
To our Retirees: As you get ready to embrace this exciting new phase, we want to take a moment to thank you for all the years of service and dedication you’ve given. You’ve shaped this university with your hard work and expertise, and you’ve built relationships and left a legacy that will never be forgotten. We’ll miss seeing you around every day, but know that your impact will continue to guide us.
Dr. Beth Lewis
Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UHCL at Pearland
It is an absolute pleasure to recognize our dedicated and valuable colleagues across this campus community. This is a celebration of remarkable contributions and commitments towards the success of UHCL. We all know that achievement and success in our careers is not by accident. It is years of hard work and perseverance. It is moments like this one today, that provides an opportunity for everyone to gather together and say, Thank You, and recognize you for all your contributions. UHCL would not be what it is without you.
I would also like to personally express sincere gratitude and thanks to the faculty and staff of UHCL. It has been a pleasure and honor getting to know you and working with you during the past year.
Marty Baylor Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Welcome/Recognition of Previous
PROGRAM EVENTS
Richard Walker, Ed.D. Winners and Retirees: President
Presentation of Service Awards: Richard Walker, Ed.D. President
Joe Staley Vice President, University Advancement
Tina Powellson, Ed.D. Vice President, Student Affairs
Kathryn Matthew, Ed.D. Vice Provost
Ann Theodori, Ed.D. Vice President, Strategic Enrollment Management
Beth Lewis, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President, COO, Pearland
Marty Baylor Interim Vice President, Administration & Finance
Recognition of 2024 Retirees: Richard Walker, Ed.D. President
Presentation of President’s Staff Merit Awards: Richard Walker, Ed.D. President
Presentation of Hugh P. Avery Award: Richard Walker, Ed.D. President
Presentation of Outstanding Lecturer
Kathryn Matthew, Ed.D. and Adjunct Awards: Vice Provost
Presentation of President’s Distinguished
Kathryn Matthew, Ed.D Faculty Awards: Vice Provost
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Five Year Awards
Jason Anderson Senior Grounds Keeper
Christopher Baker Coordinator, Parking Operations
Steven Beserra Custodian/Material Handler
Ariful Bhuiyan Assistant Professor, Engineering
Ebony Brunn Associate Director, Student Advocacy & Community
Carmen Canales Manager, Payroll
Gerald Carter Maintenance Tech III
Silvana Chambers Assistant Professor, Management
Esther Herrera Senior Manager, Training & Development
Damon Hines Law Enforcement Comp. Officer
Muhammad Iqbal Client Server DB Analyst
Isatu John Custodian
Borbala Juhasz Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Blanca Larin Custodian
Chris Mallios Senior Grounds Keeper
Judith Matrisciano Coordinator, Employment
Panya Milliner Department Assistant IV, Student Success & Initiatives
Bansari Moffe Senior Academic Advisor
Margarita Monsivais Anguiano Custodian
Juan Olguin Manager, Advancement Business/Ops.
Matthew Perry Associate Dean of Students/Director, Housing
Alida Ramos Casasola Custodian
Susan Ryan Department Assistant III
Robin Shannon Manager, FMC Business Services
Joseph Staley Vice President, University Advancement
Anna Sturton
Graduate Enrollment Management Counselor
Norma Villanueva Department Assistant III, Dean of Business
Brenda Villarreal
Department Assistant III, Environmental Institute of Houston
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ten Year Awards
Endale Abebe
Computing Coordinator, Information Technology
Karen Alexander
Associate Professor, Health, Human, and Biomed Sci.
Cecelia Alongi Financial Aid Counselor
Martha Ariza Lecturer, Biological Sciences
Sheila Baker Professor, Lit., Lib. Sci. & Learning Tech.
Jason Bentley
Assistant Professor, Health, Human, and Biomed Sci.
Nelson Carter
Senior Lecturer, Mathematics & Statistics
Cristina Coria
Events Assistant, Admissions
Sarah Costello Professor, Liberal Arts
Dragana Djordjevic
Senior Lecturer, Communication & Studio Arts
Neal Dugre
Associate Professor, Liberal Arts
Linsey Ford Manager, Scholarly Comm., Library
Leticia French
Senior Lecturer, Communications & Studio Arts
Patricia Gibson
Administrative Assistant II, Mathematics & Statistics
Harry Glass Manager, Parking & Transportation
Brenda Guerrero
Program Coordinator, Center for Adv. Mgmt. Programs
Md Rajib Hasan
Associate Professor, Accounting
Devin Hendry Police Officer, University Police
Jamie Hester
Department Assistant IV, Counseling & Mental Health Center
Stephanie Holleran Interim Director, International Adm. & Stu. Services
Daniel Imrecke
Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences
Billy Jackson HVAC Op/Mech. III
Lorie Jacobs
Associate Professor, Communication & Studio Arts
Preeti Jain
Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction
Karinn Jones
Department Assistant IV, Campus Recreation & Wellness
Nicholas Kelling Professor, Psychology
Anna Klyueva Professor, Communication & Studio Arts
Eugene Krueger
Sergeant, University Police
Lisa Lacher
Associate Professor, Computing Sciences
Anthony Mireles
Infrastructure Specialist II, Information Technology
Mary Jane Neschich
Admissions Evaluator II
Henry Newkirk
Senior Instructional Designer, Information Technology
Luong Nguyen
Associate Professor, Engineering
AWARD RECIPIENTS
David Palmer
Interim Director, Library Comm./Ops.
Shanshan Pan
Associate Professor, Accounting
Allan Patrolia
Manager, System Operations, FMC Central Plant
Tanjina Rahman
Senior Accountant, General Accounting
Tanja Reason
Department Assistant III, Information Technology
Rebecca Rivera Saldana
Administrative Assistant II, Communication & Studio Arts
Wanalee Romero
Clinical Associate Professor, Liberal Arts
Debra Ross
Institute Research Analyst, Institutional Research
Monica Saucier
Administrative Assistant II, Engineering
Mark Stout
Data Analyst/Bus. Intelligence, Institutional Research
Patricia Trubl
Senior Lecturer, Biological Sciences
Ishaq Unwala
Associate Professor, Engineering
Christine Walther Professor, Psychology
Dawit Woldu
Associate Professor, Social & Cultural Sciences
Michael Wu
Associate Professor, MIS
Yipeng Yang
Associate Professor, Mathematics & Statistics
Fifteen Year Awards
Kimberly August
Senior Procurement Specialist
James Cantu
Access Control Technician, University Police
Stephen Cherry Professor, Social & Cultural Sciences
Manki Cho
Assistant Professor, Mathematics & Statistics
Michael Clody
Associate Professor, Liberal Arts
Stephen Cotten Professor, Decision Sci., Econ., Fin., Mktg.
Amanda De Gracia
Admissions Evaluator III
Erika De Leon
Director, HR Operations
Holly Nolan
Executive Director, Financial Aid
Michelle Peters
Professor, Leadership & Policy Analysis
Toni Rico
Coordinator, Military Credit
Elizabeth Seidel
Administrative Assistant II, Dean of Business
Joanne Slovacek
Senior Coordinator, Employment
Douglass Steel
Associate Professor, MIS
Bernadina Streeter
Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Twenty Year Awards
Luisa Beck
Associate Director, Career Services
Debra Clark
Associate Professor, Communication & Studio Arts
Robert Gill Supervisor, Sys./Network Infrastructure
Dorothea Lerman Professor, Psychology & Behavioral Health
Timothy Michael
Associate Professor, Decision Sci., Econ., Fin., Mktg.
Veronica Ortiz
Program Coordinator, Center for Faculty Development
Everette Penn Professor, Social & Cultural Sciences
Kristi Randolph Assistant Dean of Students
Mary Short Professor, Psychology & Behavioral Health
Daniel Silvermintz Professor, Liberal Arts
Chat Steed Office Supervisor, Library
Hunter Stephenson
Associate Professor, Communication & Studio Arts
Christopher Ware
Business Infrastructure Specialist, Dean of Business
Twenty-five Year Awards
Krishani Abeysekera
Senior Lecturer, Computing Sciences
Cynthia Cook
Director, Counseling & Mental Health Center
Lisa Jones Professor, Counseling, SPED, & Diversity
Lori Lopez Director, Special Events, University Advancement
Jack Lu Professor, Physical & Applied Sciences
William Powers Director, TLD Program
Richard Puzdrowski
Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
Larry Rohde
Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
Maria Vargas
Lead Custodian
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Thirty Year Awards
Javier Gutierrez
Lead Painter, FMC Building Maintenance
Thirty-five Year Awards
Cynthia Howard Professor, Environmental Sciences
Annie Lott Custodian
Alfredo Perez-Davila
Associate Professor, Computing Sciences
Naveed Saleem Professor, MIS
Forty Year Awards
Barry Marks Professor, Accounting
Forty-five Year Awards
Kenneth Black
Professor, Decision Sci., Econ., Fin., Mktg.
Paul Wagner
Professor, Leadership & Policy Analysis
CELEBRATING 2024 RETIREES
Ira Blake 2017 - 2021, 2022 - 2024
Stephen Boardman 1988 - 2024
Gary Boetticher 1999 - 2024
Deborah Brooner 2002 - 2024
Teresa Cochrum 2016 - 2024
Charles Crocker 1998 - 2024
Sadegh Davari 1986 - 2024
Karen Elliott 2014 - 2024
Karen Fiscus 2006 - 2024
Francisco Gonzalez 1988 - 2024
Brent Goucher 1998 - 2024
George Guillen 2004 - 2024
Mary Harris 2000 - 2024
James Helm
1998 - 2024
Beth Hentges 2000 - 2024
Leanne Howell 2012 - 2024
Robert Jones 1975 - 2024
Raymond Khoury 2009 - 2024
Patti Koch 2004 - 2024
JoAnne Laborde 2001 - 2024
Judith Marquez 1990 - 2024
Janice Newsum 2017 - 2024
Christine Paul 1993 - 2024
Daniel Perdue 1984 - 2024
Charles Phillips 2014 - 2024
Regina Pickett 2013 - 2024
Rosemary Pineda 1996 - 2024
Mary Margaret Priolo 2002 - 2024
David Rachita 1995 - 2024
Mirna Rosa 2019 - 2024
Cynthia Saltzman 2011 - 2024
Elizabeth Sheppard 2002 - 2024
Jewel Story 1993 - 2024
Miriam Thomas 2022 - 2024
Marla Welch 2001 - 2024
LeeAnn Wheelbarger 2000 - 2024
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.
Last Year’s Hugh P. Avery – President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award and Merit Award Winners
Hugh P. Avery Winner
• Patti Koch,
Department Assistant, Environmental Institute of Houston
Staff Merit Award Winners
• Devin Hendry
Police Detective, University Police
• Larisa Landry
Global Scholar Advisor, Education Abroad & Scholar Services
• Tanja Reason
Department Assistant, Office of Information Technology
• LeeAnn Wheelbarger
Administrative Assistant, College of Business
Pictured from left to right: Tanja Reason, LeeAnn Wheelbarger, Dr. Walker, Devin Hendry, Larisa Landry. Second picture: Patti Koch
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.
Last Year’s Winners
Outstanding Adjunct Award
• Dr. Jennifer Willis-Opalenik Director, Technology Learning Services
Outstanding Lecturer Award
• Dr. Wanalee Romero Clinical Associate Professor, Humanities
Improving the Academy Award
• Dr. Robert Bartsch Professor, Psychology
Pictured from left to right: Jennifer Willis-Opalenik, Robert Bartsch, Wanalee Romero
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.
Last Year’s Distinguished Faculty Award Winners
Distinguished Research Award
• Dr. Christina Cedillo
Associate Professor, Writing and Rhetoric
Distinguished Service Award
• Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
Associate Professor, Special Education
Distinguished Teaching Award
• Dr. Mary Short Professor, Psychology
Pictured: Dr. Christina Cedillo
Pictured: Dr. Elizabeth Beavers
Pictured: Dr. Mary Short
