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Award Winning Faculty and Staff 2024

By UNC Asheville

May 28^th, 2024

Every year UNC Asheville celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of its faculty and staff members. Awards were given for service to the University, teaching, creativity and scholarship, as well as special recognition to faculty who were reappointed or promoted.

MLM Kind Heart Award

David Gillette, Professor of Environmental Studies

Gillette was chosen for this award for his positive impact on faculty and staff, his integrity and respect for others, his actions to build community on campus, and his contribution to the collegial spirit of UNC Asheville.

This award was established by Mary Lynn Manns, professor emerita of management.

As part of receiving the award Gillette will create a campus project that fosters community among faculty and staff.

David Gillette (left) and Mary Lynn Manns

Distinguished Service Award

Patrick Foo, psychology Professor

Foo's leadership within the University community has left a mark on both students and colleagues alike. As a key figure in establishing the Neuroscience Minor, he aimed to disseminate cutting-edge knowledge about the brain and mind to a broader audience. Serving as coordinator, he helped the program grow, reaching a peak enrollment of 178 students. This initiative not only enriched the academic journey of pre-med, pre-health, and pre-graduate school students but also demonstrated Pat's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the University.

Foo also co-founded the Contemplative Inquiry Certificate program, emphasizing the interdisciplinary connections between neuroscience and meditation. Serving as coordinator and teaching in the program, he facilitated robust personal practices among students that emphasize the connection between mind and body and worked on many initiatives.

Kirk Boyle, Associate Professor of English

Boyle’s service to both the English department and the wider university has been extensive, impactful and unflagging. He has co-chaired a task force exploring critical reform of UNCA’s Liberal Arts Core, served on a task force exploring the creation of an MFA in Creative Writing, and another focused on Delivering the Curriculum. He has contributed significantly to the Humanities program at UNC Asheville, teaching HUM 324 numerous times, writing for the Modern Worlds & Perspectives Humanities Reader, and being appointed a Humanities Affiliate for the 2019-20 academic year.

As Chair of the English Department, Boyle has worked on a Senate-approved overhaul of the English major curriculum, raised significant funds for a creative writing coordinator, and developed materials to help promote the department.

Distinguished Scholarship and Creative Achievement Award

Megan Underhill, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology

Underhill’s time at UNC Asheville since 2016 has been marked by prolific scholarship and impactful engagement. She has published extensively, given invited talks around the country, and become a leading scholar in the field of the sociology of race and ethnicity. In just the past five years, she has eight publications, nine conference presentations, and 12 invited lectures.

UNC Asheville students have benefited from her dedication to undergraduate involvement in research. She has actively engaged 15 undergraduate students in every stage of her research process, from data collection and analysis to the write-up and presentation of results. Looking ahead, Underhill continues her scholarly pursuits with a significant book project based on five years of ethnographic data studying antiracist white parents.

Scott Williams, Associate Professor of Philosophy

In the last five years, Williams' scholarly work, investigating the intersection of personhood, disability, and the mind in Trinitarian theology, has been astonishing. He has published seven book chapters, five journal articles, made seven academic presentations, and edited a 2020 book in his area of expertise, “Disability in Medieval Christian Philosophy and Theology.”

His scholarship is not only prolific, but also groundbreaking. His 2022 article in the Journal of Analytic Theology describes his rediscovery of very significant events and texts from the seventh century, which may be the most significant new finding in his field for the last several hundred years.

Ruth Leon Feldman Professorship Award

Erica Abrams Locklear, Professor of English

In her 16 years at UNC Asheville, Abrams Locklear has demonstrated consistent excellence in all three areas of faculty contributions: teaching, scholarship, and service.

During her time at UNC Asheville, she has published two books, seven book chapters, twelve peer-reviewed journal articles, one creative nonfiction essay, and eight reviews. Her latest book, Appalachia on the Table: Representing Mountain Food and People, is an exploration of how representations of Appalachian food from the late 1800s to today have influenced national perceptions of mountain people.

During her current tenure as the Thomas Howerton Distinguished Professor of Humanities, she has organized a popular lecture series, “Diverse Roots at the Common Table: Culinary Conversations in the American South.”

Jonathan Horton, Professor of BIology

Horton fosters meaningful engagement through innovative approaches in the classroom, such as outdoor excursions to educate students on plants and fungi of the southern Appalachians. Additionally, his leadership in developing study abroad programs, including ventures to the desert southwest and Ecuador, enriches the department's curriculum and broadens students' perspectives.

Horton has produced high-quality research, securing substantial external funding to support his projects. He has collaborated with many of his colleagues, but has also maintained his own research that has spanned diverse areas, including plant physiology, forest regeneration post-fire, and conservation efforts for threatened species like ginseng. Additionally, he excels as a research mentor, guiding students through independent projects that frequently result in publications.

Excellence in Teaching in the Humanities

Will Revere, Associate Professor of English

Revere’s teaching is attentive to many facets of student learning, blending creative and analytical thinking into one assignment, and building writing and speaking confidence in another.

He pioneered the Critical Perspectives series, which brings high-profile writers and thinkers to campus to interact with students around topics ranging from the global black Middle Ages, to ethics and acknowledgment in Shakespeare and contemporary film, to incarceration and critical race studies.

Excellence in Teaching in the Natural Sciences

Julia Webster, Lecturer of mathematics

Webster’s teaching is well-researched and reflective, grounded in Universal Design, and serving as an excellent example for the future teachers she trains. As described by a colleague, she is “a student-centered, innovative educator who is passionate about teaching and supporting her students.”

She is organized, compassionate, responsive, creative, and always encourages her students to engage actively with each other and deeply in their own learning. Colleagues and students alike comment on the positive learning environment she creates, and her willingness to try different pedagogical techniques to best meet the needs of her students.

Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences

Giovanny Pleites-Hernandez, Associate Professor of Political Science

Pleites-Hernandez deploys a number of pedagogical innovations like gamifying the classroom as well as flipping it, all in the service of helping students understand how the U.S. Constitution came to be or major themes in the Humanities capstone course.

His colleagues note his ability to create a safe, inclusive, and engaged environment for students to discuss the most difficult topics regarding politics, race, and ethnicity. A former student who works in Congress said, “I am convinced that I am where I am today career wise and confidence wise because of Pleites-Hernandez’ guidance and support during my collegiate experience. I cannot think of a more deserving professor to receive the UNC Asheville faculty teaching award.”

Excellence in Teaching in a University Program

Amanda Wray, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Wray’s community-engaged teaching model is most impressive. One tangible outcome of this work, the Blue Ridge Pride oral history archive serves a powerful purpose in Western North Carolina with over 108 transcribed oral histories and numerous boxes of archives collected through the work of our students. In her professional writing class, she asks students to partner with a local community organization, and to identify a need the organization has that they can help solve. Students have written grants soliciting over $109,000.

Excellence in Teaching by an Untenured Faculty Member

Stephanie O'Brien, Lecturer of Mass Communication

O’Brien’s guiding principle to empower students to be socially responsible citizens and producers of knowledge embodies the best of UNC Asheville’s mission and the ideal goal and value of higher education.

She grounds her pedagogy in an ethic of relationship and responsibility, examining dynamics of power in media representation, and underscoring the imperative to amplify those voices left out in the margins.

Excellence in Teaching by a Part-Time Faculty Member

Ashley Case, Lecturer of Environmental Studies

Ashley’s teaching is notable for its hands-on approach, involving students in community projects such as restoration of a section of the Reed Creek Greenway and challenging students to implement resource conservation initiatives in their own lives.

She is attentive to ensuring that students hear from multiple voices from different backgrounds, and that they are able to connect environmental degradation to economic and social inequities.

Distinguished Teacher of the Year

Jackie Langille, Associate PRofessor of Environmental Studies

Described by her colleagues as an all-star, Langille inspires her students with her grounded attitude, blending academic brilliance with a vibrant enthusiasm for life. Students not only credit her with helping them find their identities and strengths but also with installing a love for learning, encouraging them to take pride in their expertise while finding joy in their pursuits.

As one student reflected: “Without Dr. Jackie’s guidance and compassion over these years, I would not be the scientist or woman I am today.”

Her classes are known for their balanced mix of humor and focused work. She creates a supportive and engaging environment that motivates students to excel.

Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching

Trey Adcock, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Trey’s teaching is notable for its inclusive approach, embracing our students’ varied backgrounds and building learning communities established on respect, trust, and listening.

Trey’s impactful teaching extends beyond the classroom, mentoring students in research and community-engaged scholarship, such as in the Stories of the Snowbird Day School project. Students have investigated the roles of art, storytelling, and food systems in resistance to assimilation, co-constructing and sharing knowledge with Cherokee communities.

One student writes, “for the first time in my life I felt seen by course material in a western academic program. I truly cannot put into words the reverberating effect that having this type of instruction has had on my life.”

Exemplary Service Award for Academic Affairs

Katie Cox, Administrative Assistant for Health and Wellness Department and North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness

"Cox is always available to support both the Health and Wellness Department and the NC Center for Health and Wellness in ways that extend far beyond her scope of work.

She fosters a positive, collaborative, supportive, and enriching environment. She's friendly, kind, thoughtful and works so hard to uplift and support everyone around her. "

Exemplary Service Award for Admissions

Lisa House, Operation Manager in the Admissions Office

"House is the kind of colleague that keeps this University running not through public heroics, but through quiet, steady accuracy, thoroughness and a willingness to help out if she can. She knows how to get things done, who to talk to, where the bodies are buried, and she has a great assortment of candy on her desk.

The candy's not trivial; it's a physical manifestation of her approach to working with her colleagues: The offer, the help, the pick-me-up is always there with Lisa. She's there for you. And it's always sweet."

Exemplary Service Award for Athletics

Rebecca Nelms, Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Success

"Nelm’s openness, approachability, and dedication is impressive to all. She has maintained a positive relationship with students, staff, faculty, and parents and fostered a strong college experience for all of our student-athletes.

She is a true team player, always fosters positive discussions, and brings the best out of our student-athletes and staff."

Exemplary Service Award for Campus Operations

Mary Pohl, Admin and Program Associate in Campus Operations

"Mary consistently goes above and beyond for fellow employees and all others by always giving her time and patience to anyone for anything. She is always in good spirits and uplifting others. She is the angel of Campus Operations and the "Team Mom."

She answers every question no matter how small, silly, or hard, and if she doesn't know the answer right away, she will not stop until she does. She is a true "go-getter" in every way without exception."

Exemplary Service Award for ITS & Finance

Alexis Levenson, Director of Student Accounts in Budget and Finance

"Alexis has worked very hard with very little for years. Her office has had so much turnover, that as a director, she is still a frontline employee. She not only does the work of at least four people, she takes on more with grace and kindness.

She has provided not only supervisory support, but mental and emotional support to her team. For the past 15 years, she has worked quietly and without acknowledgement that she deeply deserves."

Exemplary Service Award for Advancement

Andrew Nelson, Assistant Director of Advancement Services

"Andrew makes UNC Asheville a better and more vibrant community on a daily basis, in large ways and small. He is naturally curious which allows him to work on the big picture.

He quietly puts out the little fires that break out regularly, communicates openly and honestly, and thinks about how Advancement can improve its processes. Andrew exhibits care and compassion for every member of his team, regardless of position."

Exemplary Service Award for Student Affairs

Mackenzie Bower, Assistant Director for Student Engagement

"Bower has been a strong advocate for the student experience. She approaches programs and events with the lens of ensuring that all students feel welcome and included in the campus spaces, and that they effectively create a lasting sense of community.

She does all of this with limited budgets and staffing, often working long hours to ensure a high quality experience for others."

UNC Asheville Values Award for Innovation

Nick Braylan, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, E-sports & Sports

"Braylan started a new and innovative program that has had some incredible successes. E-sports is an exciting frontier for higher education, and Nick has ensured that UNC Asheville is at the forefront.

He has taken great care to make the E-sports center a welcoming environment while also encouraging the teams to perform at their highest level. The E-sports teams he supports have already won some great awards at the Big South Tournament. He understands UNC Asheville’s culture and has tapped into that to ensure his program is successful."

UNC Asheville Values Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Kim Kessaris, Education Department Outreach and Teaching

"For decades, Kim Kessaris has facilitated and championed the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program, a partnership between UNCA’s Department of Education and Asheville City Schools, demonstrating her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and closing the opportunity gap in education.

AVID Program scholarships bring former AVID participants to UNC Asheville. Students who hadn’t previously thought of attending college, or who otherwise might not have had the opportunity, find success in the program and at UNC Asheville partly because of Kim’s hard work. It takes a special kind of person to change so many lives; Kim is one of those people."

UNC Asheville Values Award for Sustainability

Melissa Acker, Grounds Manager, Land Design & Development

"Acker has been the driving force behind our extraordinary grounds department for over 30 years. She has regularly gone above and beyond to create a better environment for everyone on campus. She has been a fair and caring leader of her employees, and always gone the extra mile to make opportunities for interested students.

She has invested tremendous effort to create next-generation landscapes that are based on sustainable local plant communities while providing the beauty that people want on campus with a quality that is likely unmatched at any other state institution."