Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

University Hall at sunset

Presidential Excellence Awards

The Presidential Excellence Awards honor individuals and teams who have demonstrated an
outstanding commitment to our mission, excellence in their work and service to our community.

As we continue to navigate a time of transformation in higher education, it is essential to
acknowledge the leaders who are paving the way for success. Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß is a
remarkable place – I am proud of the generosity, creativity and kindness of our community.
Every day, our faculty and staff go above and beyond to help students, colleagues and the local
community.

Presidential Excellence Awards logo

These awards are intended to highlight achievements from all members of our Red Hawk
community, including faculty and staff, full-time and part-time, long standing and newly arrived.

Together, we will continue our mission to make Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß an inclusive and accessible university
that creates transformative educational opportunities for students across the globe.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Allman, Senior Advisor to the President, at allmanm@montclair.edu.

Jonathan GS Koppell
President

2026 Award Categories

2026 Award Categories

Award Eligibility Criteria

Teaching,
Full-time Faculty

Full-time Faculty (Tenured and Teaching Faculty) with at least 6 years of full-time teaching at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß 
  • Quality of Teaching – e.g., use of practices such as those suggested by the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Teaching Principles, adoption of innovative teaching practices, implementation of experiential or community-based learning etc.
  • Impact on Student Learning – e.g., connection of teaching practices to measurable improvement in student performance and/or engagement etc.
  • Impact on Student Success – e.g., enhanced level of preparedness for subsequent coursework, progression to advanced coursework or graduate programs, student participation in conferences and competitions, internship & job placement, student leadership, alumni success stories etc.

Additional Information: 

When a nomination is submitted, the nominee will be asked to submit a 1-page (500-750 word) description highlighting accomplishments and describing evidence in support of the three criteria noted above. 

When a nominee is selected as a finalist, the finalist will be asked to submit three (3) teaching artifacts in support of the three criteria noted above.

Teaching,
Early Career, Full-time Faculty

Full-time Faculty (Tenure Track and Teaching Faculty) with less than 6 years of full-time teaching at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß.

Teaching,
Part-time Faculty

Faculty with at least 2 years of part-time teaching at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß
Tenured Faculty Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity Award

Tenured Faculty with at least 6 years of FT employment at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

  • Quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity, as measured by subject matter experts.
  • Potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity, as measured by subject matter experts.

For this award the following definitions apply:

Research involves the systematic investigation and analysis aimed at discovering new knowledge or understanding phenomena, often using established scientific or empirical methods.

Scholarship encompasses the intellectual work of interpreting, synthesizing, and advancing knowledge within a discipline—often through critical analysis, publication, or teaching innovation.

Creative activity focuses on original expression or the creation of new artistic, performative, or design works that demonstrate imagination, innovation, and contribute to cultural or intellectual life.

Tenure-Track Faculty Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity Award

Tenure-Track Faculty

Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more

  • Quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity
  • Level of student engagement in the research, scholarship, or creative activity
  • Potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity

For this award the following definitions apply:

Research involves systematic investigation and analysis aimed at discovering new knowledge or understanding phenomena, often using established scientific or empirical methods.

Scholarship encompasses the intellectual work of interpreting, synthesizing, and advancing knowledge within a discipline—often through critical analysis, publication, or teaching innovation.

Creative activity focuses on original expression or the creation of new artistic, performative, or design works that demonstrate imagination, innovation, and contribute to cultural or intellectual life.

Community Engagement, Faculty Award

Faculty (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more
  • Quality of community engagement for community partners
  • Quality of student engagement in the community
  • Positive impact or reach of the community engagement in the community and/or on campus
Community Engagement, Staff Award

Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more

Civic Participation & Public Purpose, Faculty Award Staff and Faculty (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more
  • Quality of civic education, civic participation, and public purpose efforts
  • Quality of student engagement in civic education, civic participation, and public purpose efforts
  • Positive impact or reach of civic education, civic participation, and public purpose efforts

Student Success Award

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more
  • Significance of the student success problem that needed to be solved
  • Innovative nature of the solution (approach, system, or idea) that was implemented
  • Positive impact of the solution on student success
International Pedagogy & Research

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more

  • Integration of global and intercultural perspectives into curriculum design, pedagogy, and mentoring.
  • Research, scholarship, or creative activity with international or comparative dimensions that build Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s global profile.
  • Demonstrated impact in strengthening both Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s international visibility and the on-campus student experience.

International Engagement & Service

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more

  • Creation of programs or services that support international students, visiting scholars, or intercultural activities on campus.
  • Development of initiatives or partnerships that enhance Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s global presence abroad and with international or diaspora communities.
  • Commitment to equity and access in international opportunities for students and colleagues.

Operational Excellence Award

Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more
  • Significance or complexity of the business process that was addressed
  • Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented
  • Positive impact of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented

Sustainability Initiatives Award

Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more
  • Significance or complexity of the sustainability initiative
  • Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented.
  • Positive impact of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented

Excellence in Service Award

Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more with at least 5 years at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß. For teams the majority of members must have at least 5 years at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß.
  • Outstanding service to department, above and beyond daily responsibilities
  • Positive impact on the university
  • Consistent dedication to excellence in service to constituents and stakeholders

Excellence in Service, 

Early Career Award

Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more with less than 5 years at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß. For teams, the majority of members must have at less 5 years at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

Inclusive Excellence Award

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of 2 people or more
  • Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Evidence of intentional and consistent actions that advance equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice within their sphere of influence.
  • Measurable Impact on the University Community: Actions that have produced observable, documented, or lasting improvements to the campus environment (e.g. increased engagement, representation, or sense of belonging)
  • Engagement Beyond the University: Demonstrated influence or partnership that extends Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s commitment to inclusion and equity into the broader community.
  • Sustainability and Institutionalization: Evidence that the nominee’s work has enduring effects or mechanisms for continued impact.

Advocacy and Allyship Award

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT)
  • Courageous Advocacy: Demonstrated moral courage and persistence in challenging inequitable systems, practices, or behaviors.
  • Effective Allyship and Partnership: Demonstrated commitment to provide guidance, mentorship, or resources to individuals from underrepresented communities to support, uplift, and amplify marginalized voices.
  • Tangible Impact on Equity and Belonging: Advocacy and allyship have led to measurable or observable improvements in inclusion, equity, or wellbeing within the university or community.
  • Sustained Modeling of Inclusive Leadership: Advocacy and allyship are not one-time acts, but part of a sustained commitment to long-term change and leadership by example.

Innovation Award

Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team
  • Significance or complexity of the problem that needed to be solved
  • Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented
  • Positive impact of the solution 

Collective Impact Award

Any group of three or more employees (staff and/or faculty, FT or PT)
  • Evidence of collaboration on an initiative that makes Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß an excellent place to work, learn, or serve others.
  • Evidence of improved learning, research or service
  • Evidence of improved student/employee satisfaction, engagement, or morale
  • Positive impact on the university
Unsung Hero Award Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT)

For work done since 2021

Multiple Award winners annually

  • Contribution: Consistent meaningful and often underappreciated work that contributes to the betterment of the university
  • Work ethic: Demonstrating an exceptional level of responsibility and diligence
  • Generosity: Giving one’s time, skills, or resources to support others in ways that significantly contribute to collective efforts or community improvement
  • Humble Leadership: Exercising leadership in a humble, understated manner that positively influences others without seeking authority, acknowledgement, or status

 

Timeline

Timeline

December 2025
Nominations Open.
January 2026
Nominations close at 5:00PM.
Nominees are notified.
Presidential Excellence Awards Review Committee begins the review process.
March 2026
Committee determines a list of Finalists (no more than 3) for each award.
Finalists for each award are notified and invited to submit additional documents to support their nominations (no more than 3 pages). Please note: finalists are not required to provide additional documentation, this is optional.
Nominees that did not advance as finalists are notified.
Deadline for Finalists to submit any additional documents to the committee.
April 2026
Committee sends a list of their recommendations and 1-page rationale for each award to the President for review.
President makes the final decision regarding award recipients.
Finalists receive email from the President informing them of the awards winners.

June 10, 2026

Red Hawk Recognition Day.

 

Review Committee

Review Committee

Presidential Excellence Awards Review Committee (PEARC) will be chaired by a representative of the President’s Office who will coordinate the committee meetings and selection process. The committee chair will have a voice, but no vote in the review process. The other committee members will be appointed by the president and consist of:

The PEARC will form 4 subcommittees to review nominees for a particular sub-set of awards. Each subcommittee will select a subcommittee chair.

Members of the PEARC are not eligible for any awards.

2026 Presidential Excellence Award Winners

Teaching, Full-Time Faculty

Awardee:

Fernando Naiditch, Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Honorable Mention:

Evan Matthews, Associate Professor, Kinesiology, College for Community Health

Nicole Panorkou, Professor, Mathematics, College of Science and Mathematics

Teaching, Early Career, Full-Time Faculty

Awardee:

marcus d. harvey, Assistant Professor, Theatre and Dance, College of the Arts

Honorable Mention:

Hao Liu, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Sei Eun Kim, Assistant Professor, Family Science and Human Development, College for Community Health

Teaching, Part-Time Faculty

Awardee:

Jason Torreano, Adjunct Instructor, Bloomfield College of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

Honorable Mention:

Ashlee Martellacci, Adjunct Instructor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Amrit Parmar Adjunct Instructor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity, Tenured Faculty

Awardee:

Pankaj Lal, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mention:

Weitian Wang Associate Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity, Tenure-Track Faculty

Awardee:

Erin Kang, Assistant Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Roman Liera, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity

Awardee:

Greg Pope, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mention:

Pankaj Lal, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Erin Kang, Assistant Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Community Engagement, Faculty

Awardee:

Maria Jose Garcia Vizcaino, Professor, Spanish and Latino Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Lesley Sylvan, Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, College for Community Health

Antonella Calarota-Ninman, Director, Center for Latine and Spanish Academic Success and Excellence (CLASE), Spanish and Latino Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Madison Kranis, Program Coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Community Engagement, Staff

Awardee:

Krystal Woolston, Director of Public Service Programs, Office of the President

Honorable Mention:

Jayme S. Ganey, Engagement Specialist, Inclusive Excellence, Office of the President

Tamara Massay-Trotz, Senior Director of Student Services, Academic Affairs, Bloomfield College of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

Civic Participation and Public Purpose

Awardee:

Brigid Callahan Harrison, Chairperson, Political Science and Law, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Nora McCook, Associate Professor, Bloomfield College of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß

Fanny Lauby, Associate Professor, Political Science and Law, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Student Success

Awardees:

Jonnine DeLoatch, Assistant Dean, Student Belonging, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Angie Aponte, Academic Advisor, Student Services, Feliciano School of Business

Honorable Mention:

The Crisis, Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team

International Pedagogy and Research

Awardee:

Soyoung Lee, Associate Professor, Family Science and Human Development, College for Community Health

Honorable Mention:

Elizabeth Emery, Professor, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Daniela Peterka-Benton, Director, Global Center on Human Trafficking

International Engagement and Service

Awardee:

Gail Yosh, Associate Teaching Professor, Information Management and Business Analytics, Feliciano School of Business

Honorable Mention:

Pascale Lafountain Associate Professor; Thomas Herold, Associate Professor, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Elizabeth Erwin Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Operational Excellence

Awardee:

Julianne Vitale, Associate Registrar for Transfer Evaluation and Articulation, Registrar, Enrollment Management

Honorable Mention:

Hope Lennon, Academic Advisor, University College

The Red Hawk Access Shuttle Team, Transportation Services

Sustainability Initiatives

Awardees:

Liliam Turino, University Facilities

Frances Jelks-Brown Assistant Director for Student Access to Community Services, OSB Advocacy and Outreach, Student Development and Campus Life

Honorable Mention:

Alex Witzl, Energy Manager; Adam McGuire, Project Manager, University Facilities

Service

Awardee:

Nicole Archer, Chairperson, Art and Design, College of the Arts

Honorable Mention:

Angie Aponte, Academic Advisor, Student Services, Feliciano School of Business

Kathleen Loysen, Chairperson, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Service, Early Career

Awardee:

Christopher Trautman, Director of Student Conduct, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Honorable Mention:

Christina Rodriguez-Unalt, Assistant Professor, Art and Design, College of the Arts

Mikaela Guzman, Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator, Office of the President

Innovation

Awardees:

Paul McGroarty, Social Media Director, Strategic Distribution, Communications and Marketing

The Bilingual Educational Leadership Partnership Program Team

Collective Impact

Awardee:

The Crisis, Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team

Honorable Mention:

The Student Health Center Team

The Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÔÚÏß AI Hub Team

Inclusive Excellence

Awardees:

Blanca Elizabeth Vega, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Milton Fuentes, Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Danne Davis, Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Advocacy and Allyship

Awardee:

Sarah Jennings, Director of University Health Services, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Honorable Mention:

Rebecca Haddock Assistant Director of Promotion and Prevention Programming; Jennifer Faasse, Assistant Director for Clinical Services and Training, Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Marcus D. Harvey, Assistant Professor, Theatre and Dance, College of the Arts

Unsung Hero

Posthumous Awardee:

Nancy Menegus

Awardees:

Heinz Nordmann, University Facilities

Dawn Wilkenfeld, Assistant Director for Early College Programs, Summer and Winter Sessions, Enrollment Management

Jude Uy, Staff Psychologist/Coordinator of Prevention and Wellness Programming, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Danielle Insalaco-Egan, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Acting Dean, University College

Mike Peters, University Photographer, Creative, Communications and Marketing

Catherine Keohane, Director of Faculty Development, Academic Affairs

Melissa Zarin, Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Sumi Hagiwara, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Honorable Mention:

Margaree Coleman-Carter Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Leslie Wilson, Associate Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Robert Gano, Staff Content Producer, Strategic Content, Communications and Marketing