UAH celebrates outstanding faculty, staff at 2026 University Awards for Excellence event on April 23

MAY 12, 2026 | Ann Marie Martin

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) presented the 2026 University Awards for Excellence to 23 faculty and staff members on April 23, 2026, in the Student Services Building ballroom. These awards included UAH Foundation Staff Awards; Research and Creative Activity Undergraduate Mentor Award; College Outstanding Faculty Awards; University Distinguished Teaching Award; University Distinguished Research, Creative Achievement and Scholarly Performance Award; University Researcher of the Year Award, and the new faculty and staff Made a Difference Awards.

Michael Mercier | UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) honored the achievements of 23 faculty and staff members on April 23 at the 2026 University Awards for Excellence ceremony in the Student Services Building ballroom. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.

“Awardees are individuals who exemplify commitment, consistency, hard work and resilience,” said Dr. Kristy Lee, UAH chief administrative officer, as she welcomed everyone to the event. “They take quality service to its highest level and ensure that The University of Alabama in Huntsville maintains its vision and high standards within higher education.”

UAH President Dr. Charles Karr added his words of appreciation: “It is an honor and a privilege to be here today to recognize the contributions and excellence of our faculty, staff and researchers. On behalf of everyone at UAH, I would like to congratulate each of you on your outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research and service.”

Ramona Burroughs, executive director of Human Resources, began by presenting the 2026 UAH Foundation Staff Awards.

“Staff members are essential to advancing the university’s vision and goals,” she said. “Their unwavering commitment – often unseen, always essential – drives our success and strengthens the UAH community.”

UAH Foundation Staff Awards

Facilities Excellence Award – Ellis “Dale” Thompson, electrician I, Facilities and Operations
Staff Excellence Award – Beth Hodges, senior staff assistant, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
Staff Excellence Award – John Dant, supervisor, mechanical and plumbing systems, Facilities and Operations
Staff Leadership Excellence Award – Valarie King, director, Contracts and Grants

Dr. David Puleo, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, introduced the Made a Difference Awards, a new category established this year to recognize the ways UAH faculty and staff make a positive difference in students’ lives. Alumni and current students submitted nominations, which were evaluated by a committee of students, staff, faculty and alumni.

At the 2026 University Awards for Excellence event, UAH introduced a new category – the Made a Difference Awards – to recognize the ways UAH faculty and staff members make a positive difference in students’ lives. Dr. David Puleo, far left, presents Staff Member Who Made a Difference Awards to, left to right, Lola Teague, Liz Redding, Jennifer Bradley, Dr. Gary Maddux and Laura Provenzani.

Michael Mercier | UAH

Made a Difference Awards – Staff

Jennifer Bradley, director of academic advising, College of Science
Dr. Gary Maddux, director, Systems Management and Production (SMAP) Center
Laura Provenzani, EPSCoR education, outreach, engagement and proposal coordinator, Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR)
Liz Redding, kinesiology academic advisor, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
Lola Teague, graduate program expert, Academic Advising, College of Business

Made a Difference Awards – Faculty

Dr. David Puleo, far left, presents the new Professor Who Made a Difference Awards to, left to right, Dr. Ryan Conners, Dr. Charles Lind, Dr. Nicholas Loyd, Dr. Rachel Seady, Dr. Lingling Zhao and Dr. Olaf Nachtigall during the 2026 University Awards for Excellence ceremony.

Michael Mercier | UAH

Dr. Ryan Conners, associate professor and department chair, Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
Dr. Charles Lind, lecturer, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering
Dr. Nicholas Loyd, clinical assistant professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, College of Engineering
Dr. Olaf Nachtigall, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Science
Dr. Rachel Seady, clinical assistant professor, College of Nursing
Dr. Lingling Zhao, assistant professor, Department of Space Science, College of Science

One area where UAH faculty members help their students is through support of collaborative research and creative activity. This, Puleo said, is part of UAH’s commitment “to offer all our students the opportunity to become involved in high-impact activities that enhance their educational experience and prepare them for successful careers.”

Research and Creative Activity Undergraduate Mentor Award

Dr. Olaf Nachtigall, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Science

The annual College Outstanding Faculty Awards, presented by the deans of each college, highlight excellence in teaching, research or creative achievement, scholarly contributions, and service.

College Outstanding Faculty Awards

College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences – Dr. Jack Hontz, assistant professor and director of bands, Department of Music
College of Business – Dr. Chaehyun “Chad” Pyun, assistant professor of finance
College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences – Dr. David Kyle, clinical assistant professor, Department of Kinesiology
College of Engineering – Dr. Yu Lei, professor and department chair, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
College of Nursing – Tammy Shults, clinical instructor
College of Science – Dr. Victor Ogungbe, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry

Puleo presented the University Distinguished Teaching Award for excellence and innovation in instruction that focuses on student learning. This is UAH’s highest recognition for teaching.

University Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Sharifa Love-Rutledge, associate professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Science

Dr. Robert Lindquist, vice president for research and economic development, joined Puleo to honor an active faculty member for work spanning multiple years.

University Distinguished Research, Creative Achievement and Scholarly Performance Award

Dr. Ming Sun, professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Lindquist concluded the awards with the announcement of the Researcher of the Year, which recognizes an active researcher from a UAH center or institute for productivity spanning multiple years.