Faculty members from across the University of the District of Columbia gathered at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery on May 14 for the Annual Faculty Awards Gala, which recognized educators, researchers and mentors from across the university.
The event honored faculty members for their work in teaching, scholarship, leadership, advocacy, creativity and collaboration. Faculty, administrators and university leadership attended the program, which included award presentations and remarks from university officials.
Chief Academic Officer April Massey opened the evening by recognizing the role faculty continue to play across the university.
“Our faculty are deeply committed to the success of our students and the broader mission of this university,” said Massey. “They are educators, mentors, researchers and advocates whose work shapes lives across the District every single day. This evening gave us an opportunity to recognize not only their professional excellence, but also the care, leadership and service they bring to this institution and our community.”
This year’s honorees 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 & Human Rights Clinic at the David A. Clarke School of Law, received the Activist and Organizer Award. Quo Mieko Judkins, associate professor of law and director of the Criminal Defense and Racial Justice Clinic, received the Advocate and Ambassador Award.
The Collaborator Award recognized Christian Aguiar, associate professor of English at the Community College, and Yoko Ferguson, metadata and cataloging librarian and associate professor within the Learning Resources Division.
Following the event, Aguiar reflected on the recognition in a LinkedIn post, describing it as meaningful given the collaborative culture faculty are building across the university and the shared commitment to supporting students through teaching and mentorship.
Uche Udeochu, associate professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Creative Award for work in science education and research. In a LinkedIn post following the announcement, Udeochu described the award as a reflection of “the power of creativity in teaching, research, mentorship and community engagement.” He added that experiential learning opportunities can “transform lives and inspire future scientists.”
Shurron Farmer, assistant professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Leader Award. Phronie Jackson, associate professor of health in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, received the Scholar Award. Dowan McNair-Lee, assistant professor of education in the School of Education and Learning Sciences, received the Teacher Award.
Held only days after UDC’s 49th Commencement ceremony, the gala reflected a broader period of momentum across Academic Affairs, including the recent launch of the School of Education and Learning Sciences and ongoing initiatives connected to the university’s 175th anniversary year.
President Maurice D. Edington closed the evening by reflecting on the role faculty play in advancing the university’s mission.
“Faculty are at the heart of UDC’s impact and legacy,” said Edington. “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 that mission forward.”
The gala concluded with a reception honoring faculty members from across the university.