The University of Toledo recently recognized its outstanding advisors, researchers and teachers and announced the recipients of the Edith Rathbun Award for Outreach and Engagement for the 2024-25 academic year, as well as both the Student Employee and Student Employment Supervisor of the Year.
“I am proud to recognize my faculty and staff colleagues for their dedication to the success of our students and the University,” said Dr. Scott Molitor, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Every year we recognize the exceptional efforts of some of the outstanding members of our University based on the campus community nominations. I am also grateful to the committee members that reviewed these nominations, many of whom are past recipients of these same awards.”
Recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Award are, from left, Dr. Dong Shik Kim, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering; Gregory Gilchrist, a professor of law in the College of Law; Christa Turley, a senior lecturer in the Department of Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of Clinical Education for the Respiratory Care Program in the College of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Holly Myers, an associate professor in the College of Nursing.
Recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Award are:
Dr. Daryl Dwyer, an associate professor of ecology in the Department of Environmental Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Celebrated as more than a professor by the students who nominated him, Dwyer, they said, is a passionate mentor and supporter who makes complex topics like biodiversity engaging and accessible through his entertaining teaching style. Students also consistently praised his ability to create a supportive and fun learning environment where they feel comfortable and encouraged both academically and personally. Colleagues who nominated him said Dwyer genuinely cares for his students, offering guidance and a listening ear, leaving a lasting positive impact and solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Department of Environmental Sciences and The University of Toledo.
Gregory Gilchrist, a professor of law in the College of Law.
Gilchrist is an exceptional educator whose enthusiastic, rigorous and approachable teaching style transforms complex legal topics into engaging and accessible lessons that students find remarkably captivating, his nominators said. They noted that his classes feel like they fly by — with one student saying that two hours pass by in what feels like 20 minutes. Gilchrist’s unparalleled ability to clarify intricate concepts in subjects like criminal procedure and constitutional law, colleagues wrote, coupled with his unwavering commitment to student success through accessible guidance and mentorship, have fostered a supportive environment where students are encouraged to excel, making him truly deserving of recognition.
Hefzy
Dr. Mohamed Samir Hefzy, a professor and graduate program director in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Nominators note that Hefzy’s impact at The University of Toledo is profound, extending beyond exceptional teaching to mentorship and inspiring countless students with a remarkable dedication to their success. Students wrote that Hefzy’s teaching breaks down complex engineering concepts into clear and engaging explanations in both undergraduate and graduate courses, fostering a supportive environment where curiosity thrives and students feel comfortable seeking help. Colleagues note that he is deeply invested in each student’s learning journey, providing personalized guidance to ensure that they reach their full potential, demonstrating the powerful and positive influence of a caring and dedicated professor.
Dr. Dong Shik Kim, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Kim exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence and mentorship, distinguished by his exceptional intellect, passion for teaching and unwavering dedication to student success, nominators wrote. He consistently demonstrates a remarkable commitment to supporting his students, offering thoughtful guidance and assistance in both academic and informal settings. His pedagogical approach skillfully integrates intellectual rigor with an engaging and supportive classroom environment, enhanced by moments of levity that foster a positive and productive learning atmosphere. Beyond academic achievement, colleagues wrote, Kim cultivates intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and a profound appreciation for the field of chemical engineering, preparing his students not only for examinations but for meaningful, impactful careers as future engineers and innovators.
Dr. Holly Myers, an associate professor in the College of Nursing.
In nominating Myers, students and colleagues said she had an extraordinary impact through her dedication, expertise and unwavering support. They highlighted her ability to integrate real-world scenarios into her teaching, making complex concepts understandable. Myers, the nominators said, is deeply committed to her students’ success, offering personalized support and assistance even with technical issues outside of class, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel believed in. They also emphasized her impact beyond the classroom through the guidance and mentorship she provides, building confidence in her students as future nurses.
Christa Turley, a senior lecturer in the Department of Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of Clinical Education for the Respiratory Care Program in the College of Health and Human Services.
Turley is an exemplary educator whose unwavering dedication to her students extends far beyond the classroom, colleagues wrote in their nominations. She consistently demonstrates exceptional organization, clear communication and a commitment to student success through regular updates, extended office hours and personalized support. Her genuine compassion is evident in her willingness to provide tutoring and emotional support, fostering an environment where students feel both academically empowered and personally valued, students wrote. And her passion for teaching and her role as a mentor and advocate make her a highly respected and admired professor.
Recipients of the Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award are, from left, Dr. Ahalapitiya Jayatissa, a professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering; and Dr. Youngwoo Seo, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Recipients of the Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award are:
Dr. Youngwoo Seo, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Seo’s groundbreaking research on microbial biofilms and water treatment systems has not only advanced scientific understanding but also directly addressed critical public health concerns related to drinking water quality, colleagues wrote in their nominations. With more than $8 million in research funding and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Environmental Science & Technology and Water Research, Seo has consistently demonstrated both depth and breadth in his scholarly work. And his innovative, interdisciplinary approach — merging principles of engineering and biology — has positioned him as a national leader in water quality management and environmental safety.
Beyond his research achievements, Seo has shown exemplary dedication to education and mentorship, they said. His leadership in training graduate students has produced a new generation of scientists and engineers who are making meaningful contributions across academia, industry, and government.
Dr. Ahalapitiya Jayatissa, a professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Jayatissa is a distinguished leader in semiconductor materials, nanotechnology and engineering education, whose impactful contributions have significantly advanced both academic scholarship and technological innovation, colleagues wrote in their nominations. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, a book, multiple book chapters and more than $4.5 million in research funding, Jayatissa has established a global presence in his field, reflected in his impressive citation record and an h-index of 38.
Jayatissa’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of AI into research places him at the cutting edge of technological advancement, nominators added. In addition to his research achievements, Jayatissa has demonstrated exceptional mentorship, guiding 14 Ph.D. students and numerous master’s and undergraduate researchers who have gone on to distinguished careers in academia and industry.
Recipients of the Edith Rathbun Award for Outreach and Engagement are, from left, Dr. Rebecca Monteleone, an assistant professor of disability studies in the Disability Studies Program in the College of Arts and Letters; and Dr. Ahalapitiya Jayatissa, a professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Recipients of the Edith Rathbun Award for Outreach and Engagement are:
Dr. Ahalapitiya Jayatissa, a professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Jayatissa has made a profound and far-reaching impact on STEM education through his visionary leadership, global collaboration and dedication to community engagement, colleagues noted in their nominations. As the founder of an international conference series that has connected over 1,400 researchers worldwide — from the U.S. to Sri Lanka, Japan to Hawaii— Jayatissa has created a vital platform for academic exchange, particularly benefiting students and early-career researchers.
His outreach efforts extend well beyond academia, they said in their nominations, inspiring hundreds of high school students through nanotechnology workshops, essay competitions and hands-on demonstrations. Jayatissa also champions international research experiences, leading NSF-funded exchange programs with Japan that provide students from both countries with unique academic and cultural opportunities. He also has led initiatives supporting underrepresented groups and has actively promoted STEM education in local schools through programs like the Science Olympiad.
Dr. Rebecca Monteleone, an assistant professor of disability studies in the Disability Studies Program in the College of Arts and Letters.
Monteleone is a transformative leader in advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, whose innovative outreach efforts have reshaped public understanding and empowered marginalized voices, her colleagues said. Her award-winning podcast, Telling It Our Way, has provided a nationally recognized platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to share their personal experiences, earning honors such as the 2025 Media Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Through statewide storytelling workshops, Monteleone has equipped adults with developmental disabilities with tools for self-advocacy and communication, nominators wrote, creating a lasting impact on participants and the broader community. Her inclusive theater course, uniting University of Toledo students with local actors with disabilities, has further promoted visibility and inclusion, drawing large community audiences and critical praise.
Recipients of the Outstanding Advisor Award are, from left, Dr. Hossein Sojoudi, interim chair and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering; and Whitney Valencia, Manager of Advising & Student Services in the Academic Advising Center.
Recipients of the Outstanding Advisor Award are:
Dr. Hossein Sojoudi, interim chair and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Sojoudi demonstrates a remarkable ability to guide students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for success in both academic and professional settings, colleagues wrote. By equipping students with the tools, resources and confidence to tackle challenges independently, he fosters self-reliance and promotes informed decision-making. Rather than imposing his own views, Sojoudi encourages students to conduct thorough research, evaluate alternatives and reach their own conclusions, thereby cultivating skills that extend far beyond the classroom. His mentorship extends to both academic and personal support, where his genuine care for students’ well-being is evident.
Sojoudi has played a pivotal role in helping students overcome academic hurdles, secure prestigious positions, win research awards and navigate complex immigration processes, nominators wrote. And he actively ensures that students are connected with necessary resources, providing guidance on University policies and directing them to services such as the Writing Center, Career Services and the Office of International Student Support Services.
Whitney Valencia, manager of Advising & Student Services in the Academic Advising Center.
Valencia is an exemplary communicator, distinguished by her respect, understanding and ability to empower students, nominators said, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each student feels heard and supported, assisting them in making informed decisions regarding their academic trajectories. In her role, Valencia is not only a proficient resource on University policies and available resources, she also instills a sense of confidence and ownership in students’ academic decisions while helping them effectively manage academic and personal responsibilities. Additionally, Valencia plays a vital role in mentoring her colleagues, nominators wrote, offering guidance and resources to enhance their advising capabilities.
Student Employee of the Year, left, is Jonathan Waller, supplemental instruction leader in Academic Support Services; and Student Employment Supervisor of the Year is Gracelyn Jones, coordinator for Competitive Sports & Youth Programs at UToledo Recreational Services.
Student Employee of the Year:
Jonathan Waller, supplemental instruction leader in Academic Support Services.
Waller began his involvement with the Supplemental Instruction Program in December 2023 and has since demonstrated exceptional dedication as a mentor, helping undergraduate chemistry students navigate complex material and supporting their academic progress, nominators said. Waller’s ability to communicate difficult concepts with clarity and enthusiasm distinguishes him, as he not only makes the material accessible but also fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment, nominators wrote, and his innovation is evident in the development of efficient study guides and resource-sharing systems that have enhanced student and peer engagement. Waller also exemplifies leadership and initiative, ensuring his students feel valued while proactively seeking ways to improve the SI Program.
Student Employment Supervisor of the Year:
Gracelyn Jones, coordinator for Competitive Sports & Youth Programs at UToledo Recreational Services.
Jones is an exemplary supervisor and leader whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Intramural Sports Program, students wrote in their nominations. Her leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to communication, team building and the professional development of her team members. Recognizing the potential of her team from the outset, Jones provided essential guidance and support, enabling them to thrive through hard work, time management and a dedication to excellence, they said. Jones’ leadership style, they wrote, is distinguished by her discipline, focus on continuous improvement and effective multitasking across various projects, all while ensuring her team remains engaged and motivated. Her mentorship has had a lasting and positive impact on her team.
The University also recognized the four faculty members awarded Distinguished Honor titles, which were approved and recognized by the UToledo Board of Trustees on Wednesday, March 5.
Distinguished University Professors are, from left, Dr. Ellen Bolman Pullins, the Schmidt Research Professor of Sales and Sales Management and a professor of marketing in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation; Dr. Michael Rees, a professor in the Departments of Urology and Pathology in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences and a transplant surgeon and surgical director of the University of Toledo Medical Center’s kidney transplant program; and Dr. Randall Ellingson, the Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization Endowed Chair and a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Distinguished University Professors:
Dr. Ellen Bolman Pullins, the Schmidt Research Professor of Sales and Sales Management and a professor of marketing in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation
Dr. Randall Ellingson, the Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization Endowed Chair and a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Dr. Michael Rees, a professor in the Departments of Urology and Pathology in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences and a transplant surgeon and surgical director of the University of Toledo Medical Center’s kidney transplant program.
Distinguished University Lecturer is Michael A. Kistner, a senior lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Letters.
Distinguished University Lecturer:
Michael A. Kistner, a senior lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Letters.
