UDC honors faculty achievements at Annual Faculty Awards Gala
The University of the District of Columbia celebrated faculty achievements at its Annual Faculty Awards Gala, recognizing individuals for their contributions to academic excellence, student development, and the growth of the university community. The post UDC honors faculty achievements at Annual Faculty Awards Gala appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Briannia Robinson
AFRO Intern
brobinson@afro.com
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) celebrated faculty achievements at its Annual Faculty Awards Gala, held May 14 at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery.
The event brought together faculty members, university leaders and administrators with the collective goal to recognize individuals who have played a role in the advancement of teaching, research, service, advocacy and innovation across the institution. Honorees were commemorated for their contributions to academic excellence, student development and the growth of the university community.
While delivering the opening speech, Chief Academic Officer April Massey acknowledged the vital role faculty members play in the support of students and reinforcing the UDC’s mission.
“Faculty members across UDC demonstrate an unwavering dedication to students and to the university’s purpose,” Massey said, according to a UDC press release. “Through scholarship, mentorship, teaching and service, they influence countless lives throughout the District. This gathering allows us to acknowledge their achievements as well as the commitment and leadership they bring to our institution.”
“Through scholarship, mentorship, teaching and service, they influence countless lives throughout the District. This gathering allows us to acknowledge their achievements as well as the commitment and leadership they bring to our institution.” – April Massey, UDC Chief Academic Officer
Award recipients represented the David A. Clarke School of Law, the Community College, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Learning Resources Division and the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences.
Jocelyn Cazares Willingham, associate professor of law and co-director of the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, received the Activist and Organizer Award. Quo Micko Judkins, associate professor of law and director of the Criminal Defense and Racial Justice Clinic, received the Advocate and Ambassador Award.
Christian Aguiar, associate professor of English at the Community College, and Yoko Ferguson, metadata and cataloging librarian and associate professor in the Learning Resources Division, received the Collaborator Award.
In a LinkedIn post, Aguiar said the recognition reflected the cooperative environment faculty members continue to foster and their mutual commitment to the students thrive through education and mentorship.
The Creative Award was presented to Uche Udeochu, associate professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. In a LinkedIn post, Udeochu described the honor as evidence of the role imagination and innovation play in education, scientific inquiry, student mentorship and public engagement. Udeochu also notes that hands-on learning experiences can inspire a future generation of scientists.
Shurron Farmer, assistant professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Leader Award. The Scholar Award was presented to Phronie Jackson, associate professor of health in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences. Dowan McNair-Lee, assistant professor of education in the School of Education and Learning Sciences, received the Teacher Award.
The event followed UDC’s 49th commencement ceremony and coincided with several developments within Academic Affairs, including the establishment of the School of Education and Learning Sciences and activities tied to the university’s 175th anniversary.
Closing the program, UDC President Maurice D. Edington reflected on the importance of faculty contributions to the university’s growth and mission.
“Faculty are at the heart of UDC’s impact and legacy,” said Edington, in the press release. “They challenge students to think critically, support them through obstacles and help prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of service. As we mark 175 years as the District’s public university, we are proud to celebrate the educators and scholars who continue carrying the mission forward.”
The evening concluded with a reception celebrating faculty members and their accomplishments across the university.
The post UDC honors faculty achievements at Annual Faculty Awards Gala appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
