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Awards

Superior Accomplishment Awards

The Superior Accomplishment Awards recognize faculty and staff members who contribute outstanding and meritorious service, efficiency and/or economy, or have created an impact on the quality of life provided to students and employees. This program is designed to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their dedication to their jobs and for going above and beyond to advance the mission of our great university and serve the community at-large.

The Employee Performance award honors individuals whose exceptional contributions during the nomination period have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. Nominations are organized by job family in recognition of the distinct and valued roles each employee serves within the university.

Recipients: 

2026 

  • Felicia Brown, PhD
  • Susannah Jeffrey
  • Candace Kenney 
  • Taylor Mingle
  • Zachary Potter 
  • Timothy Weathers 

2025 

  • Danie Adams 
  • David Adams 
  • Kelsea Visalli-Bettag 
  • Kendra Monroe
  • Rodney Holsey 
  • Shawndrea Johnson 
  • Kendra Monroe

Nominees for the Rookie of the Year are newcomers who, having successfully passed their probationary period, have excelled and had a positive impact through their work early on in their role at UF. For this award, a newcomer is defined as someone who has been at UF for less than two years.

Recipients: 

  • Taylor Mingle (2026) 
  • Ana Spaschak (2025) 

Nominations in this category are for a team of employees (maximum of six) who worked together to accomplish great things for the institution and its future. For this award, the employee listed as Nominee is considered the Team Lead and others are Team Members.

Recipients: 

  • Class Photo Team (2026) – Gregory David, Justin Donnelly, Hannah Farrell, Dr. Kristopher Klann and Amanda Pillar  
  • (2025) – Dr. Jennifer Stuart, Dr. Amy Crandall and Brandon Telg 

Nominations in this category reflect individuals whose exceptional performance, contributions, and successes took place over a longer span of time (minimum of five years). To be considered, nominees must not have received a SAA award during the last five years.

Recipients: 

  • Eric Smith (2026) 
  • Rafael Cruzado (2025) 

Student Life Awards

Each year, the Division of Student Life formally recognizes the faculty, staff, and teams whose outstanding work and contributions embody the mission and values of the Student Life community. Nine award categories are presented to honor the breadth and depth of excellence found across the Division.

The Art Sandeen Outstanding New Professional Award is given annually to a UF Division of Student Life staff member with fewer than three years of full-time Student Life experience who exemplifies the values that Dr. Sandeen modeled: dedication to the profession, a love for students, commitment to mentoring others in the profession, and a commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Art Sandeen served as vice president for student affairs from 1973-1999.

Recipients

  • Allan “Drew” Dees (2025) 
  • Jason Tillotson (2025) 
  • Rebecca Schlafke (2025) 

This award recognizes the efforts of faculty and staff from UF units inside and outside of student life whose work supports student success.  It honors individuals or committees that build strong partnerships and collaborate on special projects.

Recipients

  • Heather Ashley (2025)
  • Maria Gutierrez Martin (2025)
  • Hope Carter (2025)
  • Yoon Van Hout (2025)

This award recognizes consistent, high-quality work by a custodial or maintenance team member. The recipient exemplifies great pride in providing critical services that ensures the division can operate and serve students.

Recipients

  • Dennis “Denny” Johnson (2025)
  • Stephen “Steve” Simmons (2025)

The John M. “Jack” Kinzer Award honors a UF student who exemplifies the characteristics that Mr. Kinzer modeled: leadership and service to the UF community, along with a commitment to excellence, dedication, and integrity. As a University of Florida graduate and member of the UF Hall of Fame, Kinzer served his country in WWII and rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. He later returned to UF to begin a second career and served as assistant vice president for student affairs until his retirement.

Recipients

  • John Brinkman (2025)

This award recognizes a faculty member who has supported Student Life. Established upon his retirement, the Mort Wolfson Faculty Service Award is given annually to a UF faculty member who exemplifies the values that Professor Wolfson modeled: commitment and service to students and the University of Florida.

Recipients

  • (2026) 
  • Dr. Emily Johnson (2025)

Graduate assistants and graduate student employees have a tremendous impact on Student Life and play a key role in the success of the Division of Student Life This award honors those students who truly went above and beyond.

Recipients

  • Veronika Offor (2025)
  • Carley Reed (2025)
This award recognizes and celebrates formal and/or informal mentorship across the division. The award recipient regularly invests in other staff members, helping to guide them outside of the supervisory relationship.
 

Recipients

  • Jacquelyn Duncan (2025) 
 

The Vice President’s Special Recognition Award honors individuals and teams whose contributions rise to the highest level of excellence. Presented at the discretion of the Vice President, this award acknowledges both singular achievements and sustained dedication that leave a meaningful and enduring mark on the Student Life community.

Recipients

  • Preview Team (2025) 
  • Cydney McGothlin (2025) 

Recipients

  • (2026)