Accolades – WSU Newsletters

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University Faculty Awards

The University Faculty Awards recognize faculty who are setting the gold standard for teaching, research and creative activity at Wichita State University.

Excellence in Teaching – Fred Eilts, senior educator in the Department of Finance, Real Estate and Decision Sciences, W. Frank Barton School of Business
Leadership in the Advancement of Teaching – Daniel Bergman, professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, College of Education
Young Faculty Scholar – Akmal Mirsadikov, association professor in the Department of Finance, Real Estate and Decision Sciences, W. Frank Barton School of Business
Academy for Effective Teaching – Robin Folkerts, assistant educator in the Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education
Excellence in Research – Moriah Beck, Talaty Endowed Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Excellence in Creative Activity – Sam Taylor, professor in the Department of English, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Excellence Award for Community Research – Suzanne Hawley, professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Professions
Faculty Risk Taker – Abu Asaduzzaman, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Young Faculty Risk Taker – Chris Proppe, assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance Studies, College of Education
Excellence in Accessibility – Raina Rutti, clinical associate professor in the Department of Management, W. Frank Barton School of Business
Excellence in Online Teaching – Ryan Terry, assistant professor in the Department of Management, W. Frank Barton School of Business

Faculty and staff who were recognized at the Shocker Pride Celebration pose with President Rick Muma and Provost Monica Lounsbery

President’s Distinguished Services Awards

Several outstanding employees through the University Staff Senate and University Faculty Senate were recognized with the President’s Distinguished Service Award at the Shocker Pride Celebration May 8.

These employees have demonstrated outstanding service to Wichita State and the campus community:

Robin Henry, associate professor in the Department of History, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Alexander Ziegler, assistant professor in the Department of Marketing, W. Frank Barton School of Business
Mandy Harmon, director of events and marketing in Undergraduate Admissions, Strategic Enrollment Management
Scott Jensen, assistant vice president of Housing and Residence Life, Student Affairs
Jacob Mendez, assistant dean for student success, College of Engineering dean’s office
Naquela Pack, director of K-12 Connections and Special Projects, Wichita State Connect
Debra Franklin, associate vice president for Strategic Initiatives and Industry Engagement, Industry and Defense Programs received the Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional service to the university.

Lowell Kaufman and Logan Alexander

Logan Alexander and Lowell Kaufman stand next to the tree in front of Morrison Hall

President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case’s annual Christmas tree at the President’s Residence has been replanted on Wichita State’s campus in dedication to Lowell Kaufman, maintenance supervisor, and Logan Alexander, arborist, with Landscape and Ground Maintenance.

The tree, a blue atlas cedar, was dedicated in honor of Kaufman and Alexander for their joint efforts in supporting sustainability and maintaining the green spaces on campus. It now sits on the east side of Morrison Hall.

Vivian Zavataro

Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director of the Ulrich Museum of Art, was recognized with the Mid-Career Professional Award from the American Alliance of Museums.

Established in 2026, the AAM Mid-Career Professional Award recognizes museum professionals with between 11 and 19 years of experience who are making an impact in their institutions, communities and the museum field. Awards recognize a specific achievement or body of work that has benefited the honoree’s home institution, community or broader museum field.

Dr. Natalie Delacruz

Dr. Natalie Delacruz — RDH, FADHA, associate professor and assistant director of the BSDH Degree Completion Program in the Department of Dental Hygiene — was appointed as vice president of the Kansas Dental Hygienists’ Association and was recognized as an American Dental Hygienists’ Association Fellow.

State of Kansas employee 40- and 50-year anniversaries

Faculty and staff honored by Gov. Laura Kelly

Five Wichita State faculty and staff reached a remarkable milestone in their careers in 2025. A special ceremony was held on Thursday, April 30 at the Kansas State Capitol Building to celebrate their dedication and the legacy they have each built over the last 40 and 50 years. Gov. Laura Kelly expressed her appreciation and recognized the invaluable contributions they have made throughout their tenure and the lasting impact they’ve had on the State of Kansas.

Celebrating 40 years of service: