NEOMED honors employees for outstanding achievements

Exceptional employees were honored during the Employee Recognition Ceremony on Friday, March 14. Among them were faculty and staff who were recognized for years of service, ranging from five to 35, as well as several special awards. These individuals represent the very best of our community—demonstrating excellence in their roles and making a lasting impact across campus.

The Office of Human Resources extends a special thank you to Andrea Coard, Janel Koellner, Jonathan Wagner, Ron McGrady, Patrick Grealis and Julia Colecchi for their help in making the event a success.

Congratulations to all of those who were recognized!

SPECIAL AWARDS

MARY JANE KELLY AWARD FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE

two men pose in front of a podium bearing the NEOMED sealThis award was established in honor of Mary Jane Kelly, one of the first employees of the institution, who served as assistant to the vice provost for administration and public affairs. This award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates an exemplary work ethic and takes the appropriate initiative while maintaining a strong service-oriented attitude.

Recipient: Jacob Smith, assistant director, Campus Operations (pictured with Dale Hluch)

OLSON/BLAIR AWARD FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE

Two men pose next to a podium bearing the NEOMED seal and a display of blue and white balloonsThe award is given in recognition of outstanding administrative leadership through demonstrated initiative and innovative techniques, including the ability to motivate and supervise, make critical judgments and contribute to the betterment of NEOMED.

Recipient: Mate Soric, chair and professor of pharmacy practice (pictured with Dr. Forrest Faison)

INTEGRITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD

This award is to honor an individual who exemplifies ethical leadership and personal responsibility in a way that strengthens our institutional culture and aligns with our core values and should be employed by NEOMED for a minimum of one year.

Recipient: Rebecca Gerbert, curriculum coordinator, College of Pharmacy

COLLABORATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Snapshot of Dr. John Langell and Dr. Amy LeeThis award is to recognize an individual who breaks down silos and embodies a collaborative spirit that drives innovation and inclusive excellence across the University. Nominees should be employed by NEOMED for a minimum of one year.

Recipient: Amy Lee, M.D., M.P.H, M.B.A., program director, Consortium of Eastern Ohio Master of Public Health; professor of family and community medicine (pictured with Dr. John Langell)Snapshot of Dr. John Langell and Liz Backus

Recipient: Elizabeth Backus, senior operational excellence analyst, Office of Strategy and Transformation (pictured with Dr. John Langell)

EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD

This award is to celebrate individuals who demonstrate sustained excellence and innovation, enhancing the institution's mission and reputation and should be employed by NEOMED for a minimum of one year.

Recipient: Janel Koellner, director, Faculty Relations and Professional Development

Recipient: Jennifer Hillyer, executive director, Institute for Teaching Excellence

JUNIOR FACULTY AWARD

Three men in suits pose in a large conference hall in front of a screenThis award honors exemplary performance by faculty appointed at NEOMED for at least two years but fewer than seven years. Nominees must have made noteworthy contributions within teaching, research and service.

Recipient: Thomas Mike, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics, College of Medicine (pictured with Dr. Marc Basson and Dr. Forrest Faison)Two men and a women in business attire pose in front of a screen in a large conference hall

Recipient: Jessica Ferrell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical sciences; graduate faculty II (pictured with Dr. Hans Thewissen and Dr. Forrest Faison)

LIEBELT-WHEELER AWARD FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE

A man and woman in suits pose in a large conference hallThis award honors a faculty member who demonstrates exemplary performance in teaching, service, professional standing, and/or patient care.

Recipient: June Yun, Ph.D., associate professor of molecular pharmacology (pictured with Dr. Hans Thewissen)

OUTSTANDING FACULTY RESEARCH AWARD

Two women in business attire pose in a large conference hallThis award honors an outstanding researcher in their field with national and international recognition for excellence and productivity.

Recipient: Margie Sanders, M.A., LSW, associate professor of family and community medicine; graduate faculty member

SERVICE RECOGNITION

35 Years

  • Jeffrey Wenstrup, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and neurobiology; graduate faculty advising status

20 Years

  • Kristin Baughman, professor of family and community medicine, gradate faculty III
  • Yong Lu, Ph.D., professor of biomedical sciences
  • Brett Schofield, Ph.D., distinguished university professor

15 YearsThree women pose with certificates of award

  • Magdi Awad, Pharm.D., R.Ph.
  • Shannon Boehme
  • Chwen-Lih Chen, Ph.D.
  • Yeong-Renn Chen, Ph.D.
  • Samual Crish, Ph.D.
  • Molly Enrick
  • Li Lin
  • Linda McCort
  • Jeffrey Mellott, Ph.D.
  • Merri Rosen, Ph.D.
  • Sharad Shanbhag, Ph.D.

10 YearsGroup of people in business casual attire pose with certificates of award

  • Michael Appleman, M.A.Ed.
  • Jerry Bergstrom
  • Nicholas Dunlap
  • Darcie Flower, M.B.A.
  • Takhar Kasumov, Ph.D.
  • Susan Moore, M.P.A.
  • Gabrielle Nicholas
  • Xin Shi, M.D.
  • Andrea Slanina
  • Howard Sutton
  • Craig Theissen, M.Ed./L.
  • Ping Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.

5 Years

  • Stacey Barrenger, Ph.D.
  • Samantha Bliss
  • Kara Bloom
  • Rebecca Brabander, M.S., M.Ed.
  • Brian Butler
  • Brad Casali, Ph.D.
  • Andrea Coard
  • Sebastian Diaz
  • Matthew Diltz
  • Debra Edwards
  • Kathleen Enoch
  • Kristen Knepp
  • Patricia Sloan
  • Mary Taylor
  • Todd Wallwork
  • Xinwen Wang
  • Randon Welton
  • Nancy Woolverton
April 14, 2026
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