UAH honors faculty, staff, researchers with 2023 University Awards for Excellence

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, recognized outstanding achievements of its faculty, staff members and researchers during the annual University Awards for Excellence ceremony held on April 21 in the Student Services Building.

“Each one of you is vital to the success of this university,” said UAH President Dr. Charles Karr. “Achieving our mission is not possible without you. You are in the business of changing lives and helping our bright young students achieve their dreams.

“You have set an extraordinary example for us to live and work by. The sacrifices you have made and your pledge to professionalism and excellence are essential to helping our institution thrive. Your efforts make this university the great place for learning, working, and research that it is today. Thank you for representing our university so well.”

UAH Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Puleo noted, “These individuals from all of our colleges represent the best of UAH. I truly appreciate their investments in educating and mentoring our students, their scholarly contributions in research or creative activities, and their service to the university and their professions.”

Congratulations to all of the honorees for their dedication and service:

2023 Facilities Excellence Award

Andres Maldonado, Landscaper III, Facilities and Operations Administrative Services

2023 Staff Excellence Award (Exempt)

Elizabeth Redding, Academic Advisor III, Kinesiology

2023 Staff Excellence Award (Non-exempt)

Lara Holladay, Research Outreach Coordinator, Biological Science

2023 Staff Leadership Excellence Award

Rui Guo, Director, Research Information Systems

2023 Graduate Mentor Award

Dr. Luis “Roger” Cruz-Vera, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

2023 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Mentor Award

Dr. Kristin Weger, Assistant Professor, Psychology

2023 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Outstanding Faculty Member

Dr. Dylan Baun, Associate Professor, History

2023 College of Business Outstanding Faculty Member

Dr. Henry “Hank” Alewine, Associate Professor, Accounting

2023 College of Education Outstanding Faculty Member

Alyssum Reno-Smith, Clinical Instructor, Kinesiology

2023 College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty Member

Dr. Gabriel Xu, Associate Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

2023 College of Nursing Outstanding Faculty Member

Dr. Elizabeth Elmore, Clinical Assistant Professor

2023 College of Science Outstanding Faculty Member

Dr. Tatyana “Tanya” Sysoeva, Assistant Professor, Microbiology

2023 University Distinguished Teaching Award

Dr. Joshua Burel, Assistant Professor, Music Theory & Composition, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences

2023 University Distinguished Research and Creative Achievement and Scholarly Performance Award

Dr. Biswajit Ray, Associate Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, College of Engineering