Award for Excellence in Administrative and Operational Support
The Award for Excellence in Administrative and Operational Support recognizes outstanding and consistent service by a professional staff member. Nominees should exhibit initiative and creativity resulting in improved operations in their unit, demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to the college/unit, promote a respectful and supportive workplace, and act as a mentor and role model for others
The 2025 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Administrative and Operational Support is Ryan Schultz, chair of the Scenic Technology program for the Department of Theatre and technical director for Krannert Center
Award for Excellence in Community and Public Engagement
The Award for Excellence in Community and Public Engagement recognizes faculty and staff who make significant contributions through community and public engagement either through their work in the college/unit or through their independent volunteer/civic service in their communities. Nominees should demonstrate significant individual contributions to the local community, state, nation, or world through distinguished public engagement as a direct extension of an individual’s disciplinary, technical expertise, or social commitment to the public and non-profit sector.
The 2025 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Community and Public Engagement is Sam Smith, director of civic engagement and social practice at Krannert Center.
Award for Excellence in Student Experience and Advising
The Award for Excellence in Student Experience and Advising recognizes exceptional and sustained performance in academic advising, student support, and overall student experience. This award recognizes undergraduate and graduate advisors, faculty, and staff who provide services to students and have made significant positive impacts on students and their experience in the College of Fine and Applied Arts.
The recipient of the 2025 Award for Excellence in Student Experience and Advising is La Tanya Cobb, associate director of student services in the School of Architecture.
Distinguished Staff Award for Leadership and/or Outstanding Contribution
The Distinguished Staff Award for Leadership and/or Outstanding Contribution recognizes a professional staff member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and/or has made significant, impactful contributions to their organization or team, often going above and beyond their expected role. This award recognizes employees who are adding value through contributions and behaviors, displaying initiative, and supporting others to improve service delivery and uphold the college/unit’s mission.
The recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award for Leadership and/or Outstanding Contribution is Emily Laugesen, director of community engagement at Krannert Center.
Faculty Award in Excellence in Research
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Research recognizes a faculty member who has amassed a distinguished record of research and creative work, as demonstrated through publications, performances, or exhibitions; distinguished fellowships; successful grant applications; and invited presentations or performances. Two levels of this honor will recognize excellence at different career points. Each year, one assistant professor and either an associate professor or a full professor will receive an award.
The recipient of the 2025 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research is Carlos Carrillo Cotto, associate professor of composition theory in the School of Music.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Research recognizes a faculty member who has amassed a distinguished record of research and creative work, as demonstrated through publications, performances, or exhibitions; distinguished fellowships; successful grant applications; and invited presentations or performances. Two levels of this honor will recognize excellence at different career points. Each year, one assistant professor and either an associate professor or a full professor will receive an award.
The recipient of the 2025 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research is Serouj Aprahamian, assistant professor in the Department of Dance.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Service recognizes a faculty member who has made especially significant contributions of leadership and service to their home unit or the college or to agencies, schools, communities, businesses, or other external groups or individuals.
The recipient of the 2025 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service is Terri Weissman, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the School of Art and Design.
Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated consistent excellent performance in teaching, has made a demonstrable positive impact on students in the classroom and through advising and mentoring, has used innovative approaches in teaching, and has made significant contributions to the development of the curriculum.
The recipient of the 2025 Faculty Award in Excellence in Teaching is Zev Steinrock, assistant professor of acting and stage combat in the Department of Theatre.
Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence
The Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence recognizes a specialized faculty member who has demonstrated consistent excellent performance in their work on behalf of the college.
The recipient of the 2025 Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence is Cynthia Kocher, director of undergraduate studies and teaching associate professor of stage management in the Department of Theatre.
Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence
The Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence recognizes a specialized faculty member who has demonstrated consistent excellent performance in their work on behalf of the college.
The recipient of the 2025 Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence is Sarah Wigley, professor of voice, resident director, and contemporary voice specialist in the School of Music.
2024 College Excellence Winners
Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence
Fang Fang, teaching assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Lindsay Braun, assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
Magdalena Novoa, assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
Botond Bognar, professor emeritus and Edgar A. Tafel Endowed Chair in Architecture
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service
Mary Edwards, associate professor and associate director of academic programs in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Distinguished Staff Award
Nathan Mandel, operations manager for the School of Music
Distinguished Staff Award
Natalie Fiol, assistant director for design
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Rebecca Spennetta, undergraduate academic advisor in the School of Music
Academic Professional Award for Excellence
Kendra Shaffer, director of the TBH Business Services Center
2023 College Excellence Winners
Academic Professional Award for Excellence
Maureen Warren, curator of European and American Art before 1850 at the Krannert Art Museum
Distinguished Staff Award
David Holzner, security and facilities supervisor at Krannert Art Museum
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service
Kevin Erickson, associate professor in the School of Architecture
Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
Nisi Sturgis, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre
Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence
Heather Grossman, teaching assistant professor in the School of Architecture
2022 College Excellence Winners
Academic Professional Award for Excellence
La Tanya Cobb, Associate Director of Student Services in the School of Architecture
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Bryan VanGinhoven, Academic Advisor in the School of Art & Design
Distinguished Staff Award
Julia Kelly, Assistant Director for Marketing and Communication at Krannert Art Museum
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service
Jeffrey Jenkins, Professor in the Department of Theatre
Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Tere O’Connor, Professor in the Department of Dance
Faculty Award in Excellence in Research
Yun Kyu Yi, Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture
Faculty Award in Excellence in Research
Yvonne Redman, Associate Professor of Voice in the School of Music
Specialized Faculty Award for Excellence
AnnaMarie Bliss, Lecturer in the School of Architecture