Faculty and staff in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute were recognized for their achievements during the 2023-24 academic year at the college’s annual luncheon.
“This is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the impact that you have had on our students, our college and our community,” said Daniel Castro, dean of Purdue Polytechnic. “As the academic year comes to a close, we have a chance to reflect and be grateful for all that we have, for the students we serve and have helped prepare and for our future goals as a college.”
The following awards and recognitions were presented at the April 26 luncheon. Brief excerpts from recipients’ nominations are included (when available) below.
Staff awards
Academic Advisor Award: Cassie Pendleton, Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation (TLI)
“Students say she is so helpful and easy to work with—they respect her, and her compassion and dedication to Purdue Polytechnic is unwavering.”
Business Office Service Award: Zandra Barker, Statewide locations, ROTC, and TLI
“She goes above and beyond the help others, and she displays confidence in her role, is a team player and an advocate.”
Customer Service Award: Chasity Kuxhausen, TLI
“Her ability to anticipate and address the needs of our academic community is unparalleled.”
Customer Service Award: Nicky Federer, School of Engineering Technology
“Proficient, professional, approachable and proactive of some of the traits that define Nicky; her attention to detail is impressive, and she is dependable and always one step ahead.”
Leadership Award: Regina Brown, Department of Computer Graphics Technology
“She has a seemingly endless number of responsibilities and she fulfills them all very efficiently. … She is invaluable to the department.”
Statewide Excellence Award: Kristine Beck, Purdue Polytechnic in Anderson
“She consistently goes way above and beyond her normal duties for our location and the students we serve. She takes initiative, anticipates needs, and she regularly stays late and comes in early.”
Faculty awards
Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy Award: Linda Naimi, TLI
“She creates a safe haven for conversations and growth. Through her inclusive approach, students from all cultural backgrounds feel valued, heard and supported.”
Outstanding Faculty in Learning certificates: Jeffrey Kesselman, assistant professor in Computer Graphics Technology; Deniz Besiktepe, assistant professor in Construction Management Technology; Brittany Newell, associate professor in Engineering Technology
Outstanding Faculty in Learning Award winner: Paul Thomas, clinical assistant professor in Computer and Information Technology
Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching certificates: Alejandra Magana, W.C. Furnas professor in Computer and Information Technology; Rustin Webster, associate professor in Engineering Technology; Nathan Mentzer, professor in Technology Leadership and Innovation
Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching winners: John Michael Davis, associate professor of practice in Aviation and Transportation Technology; Paul Parsons, associate professor in Computer Graphics Technology; Mark Zimpfer, associate professor of practice in Construction Management Technology
Exceptional Early Career for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching certificates: Paul Strickland, clinical assistant professor in Aviation and Transportation Technology; Robert Howard, clinical assistant professor in Computer Graphics Technology; Robert Deadman, clinical assistant professor in Computer and Information Technology; Brandon Grant, assistant professor in Technology Leadership and Innovation
Exceptional Early Career for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Ryan Manuel, assistant professor of practice, School of Construction Management Technology
Excellence in Instruction Award for Continuing Lecturers certificates: Abner Flores, senior lecturer in Aviation and Transportation Technology; Scott Hutcheson, senior lecturer in Technology Leadership and Innovation
Excellence in Instruction Award for Continuing Lecturers University-level nominees: William Ledbetter, lecturer in Computer and Information Technology; Jason Merchant, lecturer in Construction Management Technology
Outstanding Faculty in Discovery certificates: Garam Kim, assistant professor in Aviation and Transportation Technology; Liang He, assistant professor in Computer Graphics Technology; Wenhai Sun, assistant professor in Computer and Information Technology; Xiaonan Lu, associate professor in Engineering Technology; Jennifer Linvill, assistant professor in Technology Leadership and Innovation
Outstanding Faculty in Discovery Award winner: Chengcheng Tao, assistant professor, School of Construction Management Technology
John P. Lisack Early-Career Engagement Award: Jennifer Linvill, assistant professor in Technology Leadership and Innovation
Outstanding Faculty in Engagement certificates: Dimitrios Ziakkas, assistant professor in Aviation and Transportation Technology; Nandhini Giri, assistant professor in Computer Graphics Technology; James Jenkins, associate professor in Construction Management Technology; Ragu Athinarayanan, professor in Engineering Technology; Nathalie Duval-Couetil professor in Technology Leadership and Innovation
Outstanding Faculty in Engagement Award: Chad Laux, associate professor in Computer and Information Technology
Outstanding Leadership in Globalization Award: Alejandra Magana, W.C. Furnas professor in Computer and Information Technology
The Bravo Awards
The Bravo Awards are open to all employees, and are awarded to those who have gone above and beyond their job description. They have all contributed substantially to their workplace in a way that surpassed what was asked of them.
Bravo Awards: Melody Carducci, academic advisor in CIT; Matt Ferrell, laboratory manager in Columbus; Danielle Gilbert, senior academic advisor in CMT; Susan Hockings, senior academic advisor in SoET; Mark Hopkins, QC and maintenance director in SATT; Jennifer Kelley, administrative assistant in ROTC; Rosita Lopèz, laboratory technician in CMT; Tamara Lynch, assistant director of advising in SoET; Ladd Maxson, maintenance technician in SATT; Jill Mears, lead administrative assistant in CMT; Angie Murphy, senior academic advisor in CIT; T.R. Oneal, assistant director of academic advising; Cassie Pendleton, senior academic advisor in TLI
Additional information