College of Health Celebrates Excellence: 2026 Awards Announcement

Apr 30, 2026

In April, the College of Health recognized the outstanding achievements of faculty, staff, and students whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, and service. These annual awards highlight individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen our community and advance the college’s mission.

Staff and Advising Excellence Awards

Since 2012, the College of Health has honored staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student and institutional success.

Recipients are recognized for their commitment to service, ability to connect others with university resources, respect for communities, organizational excellence, and dedication to professional growth.

Noemy Mijares

Staff and Advising Excellence Award | Physical Therapy & Athletic Training

Tami Garff

Staff and Advising Excellence Award | Physical Therapy & Athletic Training

Distinguished Teaching & Mentoring Awards

Preston Tanner and group standing on stage holding Distinguished Teaching Award

Preston Tanner, PhD

Distinguished Teaching Award | Parks, Recreation, & Tourism

Caitlyn Anderson and group presenting Distinguished Teaching Award

Caitlyn Anderson, PhD

Distinguished Teaching Award | Physical Therapy & Athletic Training

Maria Newton and group presenting Distinguished Mentoring Award

Maria Newton, PhD

Distinguished Mentoring Award | Health & Kinesiology

Mary Morgan

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award | Nutrition & Integrative Physiology

Research Awards

The Research Awards recognize faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students who demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement, innovation, and impact through research contributions, collaboration, funding success, and dissemination of knowledge.