Academic awards ceremony celebrates faculty research, teaching and mentorship

Radford University recognized an array of its most accomplished faculty and staff members at the 2025-2026 Academic Affairs Awards ceremony April 24 in Kyle Hall.  

In opening remarks, President Bret Danilowicz praised the attendees for their excellent work not only in the classroom but in research, mentoring and service to the university and the community. He quoted a few excerpts from the award nominations, noting, “These are just a few examples, among many, of the difference that you are making.”  

Provost Bethany Usher remarked, “Together, you represent the best of the ways that we are fulfilling our mission of a public regional university where we are empowering students, staff and faculty to discover and build their own unique paths.”   

Two faculty members received the university’s highest honor, the Dalton Eminent Scholar Award, which is presented to educators who have established a distinguished reputation within their disciplines. 

This year’s recipients of the Dalton Eminent Senior Scholar Awards were Thomas Duncan, professor and chair of the Department of Economics, and Jerry Kopf, professor and chair of the Department of Management. 

The Dalton Eminent Scholars Rising Star Award, which acknowledges a faculty member who exhibits extraordinary promise in research or creative scholarship, was presented to Assistant Professor of Psychology Young-Kook Moon.  

Winners of these awards receive a $10,000 prize each year for two years – provided by the Radford University Foundation through the Dalton Eminent Scholars Fund – as well as a medallion to be worn during commencement exercises. The distinction is named in honor of United States District Judge Ted Dalton and former Virginia Governor John Dalton.  

This year’s Dalton scholars boast a wide range of expertise and were introduced at the ceremony by Faculty Senate President Matt Close. 

While much of Thomas Duncan’s research focuses on the economic forces and effects of war and national defense, his additional interests range from pedagogy to the economic impact of Bike Virginia events. His research often integrates diverse theories and perspectives to gain a more comprehensive view of public policy and society.  

“Importantly,” Close said, Duncan “does not separate research from teaching, but mentors and encourages students to participate in that research. Colleagues cite his ability to bring students into meaningful dialogue regarding issues identified in his research, thus giving them a much deeper understanding of the issues and implications of political institutions and war economy.” 

Jerry Kopf has made significant contributions to research involving motivation theory and its application in areas such as leadership communication and organizational behavior. Close noted that Kopf’s approach is “highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, utilizing the Boyer model’s scholarship of discovery, integration, application and teaching.” 

Kopf has provided his expertise to the university and the community in multiple ways, including founding and directing the Business Advisory Center, helping Waldron College establish an outreach clinic and mobile health unit, leadership and fundraising initiatives and playing a key role in establishing the College of Science and Technology. 

In his three years at Radford University, Young-Kook Moon has conducted extensive research in industrial and organizational psychology, often collaborating with experts in disciplines such as education, industrial engineering, social psychology and management. Close said that Moon “emphasizes bringing the understanding gained from research into the class environment and encourages students to present their work in conferences.” Moon also shares expertise to assist community-based initiatives in the New River Valley.  

Close also presented the University Awards, which, since 1977, have recognized outstanding performance in teaching, advising and service. Recipients claim a certificate and a monetary award, and they may also designate a student of their choice to receive $500 in scholarship funds.

University Award honorees

The Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes faculty who have contributed substantial service over a sustained period of time, went to Professor of Political Science Paige Tan. Tan founded the Wicked Festival at Radford University, then created and directed the wicked problems minor as a joint program involving political science and philosophy. She is also a past chair of the Department of Political Science and the founding faculty advisor for the university’s Model United Nations program, which was recognized in 2024 as Radford University’s Outstanding Student Organization.  

The Distinguished Faculty Advising Award, presented to faculty who demonstrate excellence through their academic advising, was presented to Assistant Professor of Graduate Nursing Shannon Dechant. Dechant emphasizes proactive, structured academic advising that is also individualized to the student’s coursework and career goals. This includes initiating contact at key points throughout the academic term while also remaining available and responsive to address immediate questions and needs. Students praise her personal investment in student success and well-being and advocacy on their behalf.    

The Distinguished Creative Scholar Award honors significant original contributions to the body of knowledge in academe, as well as efforts that have a key impact on classroom teaching. It was presented to Associate Professor of Management Zachary Collier. Much of his research includes risk analysis and risk management methodologies for interdisciplinary problems that involve business, technology and society. He has focused recently on emerging supply chain risk management issues in the semiconductor industry. Collier also has served in leadership responsibilities in professional societies addressing risk analysis, operations research and the national defense industry. 

The Award for Administrative and Professional Excellence recognizes those with a record of distinguished leadership and superior service in their professional activity at the university. It went to Sustainability Manager Aysha Bodenhamer. Among her numerous accomplishments, Bodenhamer has chaired university steering committees for sustainability and the Selu Conservancy and has served on multiple committees with a national focus. An associate professor of sociology, she also has led efforts to re-establish the university’s Food Recovery Network and create the monthly farmers market on campus – efforts that benefit the broader community as well as the university population. 

The Anna Lee Stewart Award for Contributions to Faculty Development, which acknowledges faculty and staff who have contributed to the professional development of colleagues, went to Professor of Chemistry Joseph Wirgau. He founded the Office of Undergraduate Research, or OURS, with the approach of translating experience and theory into practical action. Wirgau partners with multiple centers and departments to integrate faculty and student development into broader initiatives, such as the Elevate Research program, Our Turn workshops, the Research Ready series and new faculty orientation. 

The Donald N. Dedmon Distinguished Teaching Professor Award recognizes educators who have an outstanding record of teaching and are professionally active and thoroughly knowledgeable in their disciplines. This year’s winner, Professor of Communication Sandra French, has taught more than 20 different undergraduate and graduate courses in her 19 years on the faculty. She is especially noted for teaching a course on Holocaust communication. She has also taught in the U.S. State Department–sponsored Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) summer program at the University of Delaware. Students and alumni appreciate her rigorous and challenging teaching while maintaining a class environment where students feel supported and respected.

Academic Affairs recognitions

Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Jeanne Mekolichick hosted the presentation of awards relating to the department’s efforts. She noted the key theme of interdisciplinary and collaborative work among the awardees. “We are seeing the value of bringing new disciplines and new tools into our work,” she said. “That gives us exciting new perspectives and enhances the experience we bring to teaching, research, and our communities.” 

The OURS Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor Award, recognizing demonstrated excellence in supporting undergraduate researchers, was presented this year to Professor of Chemistry Morgan Montañez and to Assistant Professor of Geospatial and Earth Sciences Cindy Burkhardt.

Students of Montañez describe her as a highly engaged and empowering mentor who entrusts students with meaningful responsibility early and promotes critical thinking while providing consistent, hands-on guidance that builds confidence and independence. She also provides extensive professional guidance to help students on their career path.

Beyond Burkhardt’s excellence in research, students appreciate her career guidance and personal advocacy on their behalf. Her mentorship has helped many students to grow and to pursue advanced study.

The Interdisciplinary Research Team Project Award, a new category, spotlights the development of diverse teams conducting research and scholarship across university departments, colleges, and administrative units. While projects and studies vary in scope and size, all promote community engagement, impact and can serve as catalysts for additional funding and other larger initiatives.

Teams recognized this year include:

• Amanda Hudgins, Carey Cole, Sallie Beth Johnson, Kim Baskette: RU CARES Mobile Health Initiative: A Framework-Guided Planning Model for Expanding Rural Healthcare Access and Interprofessional Education
• Zachary Collier, Max Yurkofsky, Bruce Parsons: Adapting for an Uncertain Future: Co-Designing Career Readiness Through a Continuous Improvement Framework
• Mingyang Zhang, Naveen Joseph, Pam Frasier: Environmental and Social Determinants of Health Among Older Adults in Appalachia

Faculty professional development leave

This program provides tenured faculty with opportunities to engage in advanced study, research and other scholarly and creative activities to enhance their competencies as teachers and scholars. This year’s recipients include Parvinder Sethi, Jamie Lau, Arco Paul, Eric Mesmer, Sarah Foltz, Tay Tan, Shuo Yao, Steven Fesmire and Chase Poulsen. 

The 2026 Academic Affairs Awards ceremony also recognized seven recipients of SEED Grants – one-year grants of up to $10,000 to fund pilot or preliminary work – as well as 67 external grant awardees. Radford University has received $4.8 million in grant funding through April 15 for fiscal year 2026.