The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) presented 15 plaques to 14 faculty and staff members during the 2025 University Awards for Excellence ceremony on May 1, 2025. These annual awards honor members of the UAH community who have achieved the highest standards of excellence and service during the past academic year.
Michael Mercier | UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) celebrated 14 faculty and staff members for their outstanding achievements during the 2024-25 academic year at the 2025 University Awards for Excellence ceremony on May 1. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.
“Each one of you is vital to the success of this university,” said UAH President Dr. Charles Karr. “Achieving our mission is not possible without you. You are in the business of changing lives and helping our bright young students achieve their dreams.
“You have set an extraordinary example for us to live and work by. The sacrifices you have made and your pledge to professionalism and excellence are essential to helping our institution thrive. Your efforts make this university the great place for learning, working and research that it is today. Thank you for representing our university so well.”
Laurel Long, chief human resources officer, noted that the honorees “exemplify commitment, consistency, hard work and resilience.” She also thanked the UAH Foundation for ongoing support as well as the awards committee members and others who participated in the nomination or selection process.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients for their dedication and service:
UAH Foundation Staff Awards
- Facilities Excellence Award – Allen Butler, HVAC technician, Facilities and Operations Maintenance Services
- Staff Excellence Award – Kathleen Sobai, senior resource manager, College of Education
- Staff Excellence Award – Jeffrey Champoux, staff assistant, chemistry, College of Science
- Staff Leadership Award – Dr. Michael Turner, director of infrastructure (plus interim chief information officer from June 2024 through first quarter 2025), Office of Information Technology
Mentor Awards
- Graduate Mentor Award – Dr. Joe Conway, associate professor and director of graduate studies, English, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Research and Creative Activity Undergraduate Mentor Award – Dr. Samantha Moe, assistant professor, English, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
College Outstanding Faculty Awards
- College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – Dr. Robert Thomson, assistant professor, sociology
- College of Business – Dr. Karen Anne Wallach, assistant professor, marketing
- College of Education – Dr. Jennifer Bruzek, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction
- College of Engineering – Dr. Thomas Morris, professor, electrical and computer engineering, Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education director
- College of Nursing – Dr. Michele Kane, assistant professor
- College of Science – Dr. Xiaomin Chen, assistant professor, atmospheric and earth science
University Distinguished Teaching Awards
- Dr. Sarah Roller Dyess, associate professor, curriculum and instruction, College of Education
- Dr. Cristhian Alfonso, lecturer of Spanish, world languages and culture, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
University Distinguished Research, Creative Achievement and Scholarly Performance Award
- Dr. Xiaomin Chen, assistant professor, atmospheric and earth science.
University Researcher of the Year Award
- Dr. John Beck, principal research scientist IV, Information Technology and Systems Center
Photo gallery for 2025 University Awards for Excellence