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Award honors top UOPX faculty nominated by students and faculty colleagues

��ɫ��Ƶ honored its annual Faculty of the Year Award recipients at an awards ceremony event held Saturday, May 17, at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The Faculty of the Year Award is part of the Faculty Rewards & Recognition Program at ��ɫ��Ƶ (UOPX). Each year, the university announces a nomination period and asks students, employees and faculty to nominate UOPX faculty for the award. The awards ceremony was part of a series of weekend activities held to promote community and connection for faculty recipients.

“At ��ɫ��Ƶ, our faculty are more than educators. Having spent time with all of them, I can attest to the fact that they are mentors, real-world professionals, and enormous advocates for student success,” states John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer. “This award is not just a recognition of teaching excellence; it underscores the vital role our faculty play in guiding, supporting, and inspiring students. We are proud to honor their achievements and the lasting impact they have on our students’ lives every day.”  

The Faculty of the Year Award honors the contributions of UOPX faculty across the university’s seven colleges: College of Business and Information Technology; College of Doctoral Studies; College of Education; College of General Studies; College of Health Professions; College of Nursing; and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. 

Vickie Horton, faculty member for the College of General Studies, says it was an honor to be recognized alongside her peers. “My favorite part of the ceremony was meeting some of the folks who have been instrumental in both my career and the institution's vision that keeps our students and their unique experiences at the forefront of what we foster and celebrate,” she shares. “After twenty years at ��ɫ��Ƶ, I can safely say this was one of the highlights of my tenure, and I appreciate our leaders' aim to recognize the efforts of all faculty and help us to continue to develop in our profession.”

This year, there were 14 award recipients:

• Josephine Bennion, College of Nursing

• Irene Blundell, College of General Studies

• Vickie Horton, College of General Studies

• Debbie Humphrey, College of General Studies

• Charity Jennings, College of Education

• Shawn Matheson, College of Health Professions

• Wayne McCoy, College of Doctoral Studies

• Tomas Oberding, College of General Studies

• Tina Potter, College of Business & Information Technology

• John Shumate, College of General Studies

• Mary Ann Troy, College of Business & Information Technology 

• Melissa Warren, College of General Studies

• Bill Williams, College of Business & Information Technology

• Greggus Yahr, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

“Receiving the Faculty of the Year Award from the ��ɫ��Ƶ is a defining moment in my career,” shares Shawn Matheson, MBA, a two-time award recipient, and faculty in the College of Health Professions. “I have the privilege of equipping and inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders to create positive change in their communities. My legacy as a healthcare leader lives not only through my own work, but through my students—who are empowered to elevate healthcare where it's needed most. Many of my students come from underserved, inner-city communities. Seeing them transform their lives through education and rise as compassionate, capable leaders is deeply rewarding."

The award recipients were hosted for a special weekend that included attending and being recognized at an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field ballpark in Phoenix, as well as a day of fun activities that closed with a celebration dinner and awards ceremony.

Irene Blundell, a four-time award recipient and faculty in the College of General Studies attended this year’s festivities. “This award means so much to me because every student means the world to me,” she states.  “It is a privilege and a calling to support adults who are working so hard to change their lives.  I was an older non-traditional student, so I know what many of them are going through.  If I can do it, so can they. What encourages me to keep going is knowing it has a ripple effect as they, in turn, will change the lives of others. This award is not about me; it is about them. Although, I love the way the trophy looks on my desk.”

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About ��ɫ��Ƶ

��ɫ��Ƶ innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.