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�������޹�����Ʒ’s School of Health Sciences hosted its awards ceremony honoring individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and excellence in their respective fields. The event highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to recognize the contributions of SHS team members and illuminated the achievements of SHS faculty, staff, and community members.

Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Maha Lund, officiated the ceremony on April 8, charging members to continue to honor the work of the SHS community and celebrate our accomplishments.

2025 Award Categories and Recipients

Grateful Award
Recipient: Monica Zimmerman, adjunct/affiliate faculty, anatomy
The grateful award spotlights the work of SHS community members who are not full-time faculty or staff but provide invaluable service to SHS. Zimmerman’s contributions as an adjunct instructor for both the PA and DPT programs, as well as her work with the Anatomical Gift Program sealed this award for “Dr. Z.”

Staff Excellence Award
Meghan Renfroe, program assistant for the Department of Nursing
The staff excellence award is given to a full-time staff member in the SHS who has provided valuable contributions to their department as well as the school overall. Renfroe’s dedication to both undergraduate and ABSN nursing students, a growing faculty and assistance in completing a successful accreditation process were highlighted.

Excellence in Service, Leadership, and Collaboration Award
Recipient: Alexis Moore, assistant professor in Physician Assistant Studies
The excellence in service, leadership and collaboration award celebrates a full-time community member who has significantly advanced the institution through their service, leadership and collaboration efforts. Moore’s work with Start Early in Medicine, mentorship of student projects, community leadership and collaborations with PA and nursing faculty were recognized.

Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring
Recipient: Cynthia Bennett, Associate Professor in Physician Assistant Studies
The excellence in teaching and mentoring award honors a full-time community member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and mentoring qualities. Bennett’s classroom initiatives include establishing the PA program’s anatomy and physiology course sequences, teaching reproductive health and integrating Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) into many aspects of the PA curriculum, preparing high-quality graduates.

The awards ceremony underscored the School of Health Science’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in health sciences. The recipients’ achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire community, encouraging continued pursuit of knowledge and service.

SHS awards nominations are solicited throughout the year. Faculty, staff, and students may nominate. To learn more about SHS awards, contact the chair of the SHS Awards Committee, Janet Cope.