25 UMD Employees Honored for Service, Contributions

Twenty-five employees of the University of Maryland were honored Tuesday with this year’s Fearlessly Forward Awards, recognizing their innovation and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

The awards, which include the MVP Impact Award and the Terrapin Innovation Award, focus on UMD’s staff members who play critical roles in the university’s operation and the advancement of its academic, co-curricular and research enterprises.

"These individuals embody the spirit and vision that make our university such an extraordinary place to learn, work, and grow,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “They reflect our shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and progress."

Over 230 nominations were submitted, illustrating the spirit of progress and excellence that drives the institution forward.

"These awards are more than a moment of recognition—they symbolize the transformative impact of our shared efforts here at the University of Maryland and our collective pursuit of growth and excellence,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice. “Each of our recipient's stories stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration and unwavering dedication.”

The MVP Impact Award honors staff who, over the past year, demonstrated a Fearlessly Forward attitude through excellence, top-notch service and outstanding contributions. They have contributed behind-the-scenes work that supports operations, programs or projects, helping everything run smoothly for others.

MVP Impact Award recipients are:

• Kaitlyn Baligush, Program Management Specialist, Home and Garden Information Center, University of Maryland Extension
• Rebecca Bellinger, Executive Director, Center for Global Business, Robert H. Smith School of Business
• Warren Bryan, Project Manager, Enterprise Resource Planning, Division of Information Technology
• Earl Cabellon, Director for Staff Experience and Culture, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
• Lanna Duarte, Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator, School of Public Health
• Michael Glowacki, Assistant to the Vice President and Chief of Staff, Division of Student Affairs
• Rosanne Hoaas, Public Information Officer, University of Maryland Police Department
• Laura Hood, Manager of Student Programs, Stamp Student Union
• Kimberly Kasak, Assistant Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, A. James Clark School of Engineering
• Robyn Kotzker, Program Director, the Graduate School
• Richa Mathur, Assistant Director, Executive and Faculty Affairs, Department of Computer Science
• Adrienne Mayo-Brown, Director of Administrative Services, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
• Allison Panila, Program Manager, Conferences and Visitor Services
• Nicole Pietrucha, Coordinator, Department of Undergraduate Studies
• CJ Polihronakis, Staff Psychologist and Practicum Coordinator, Counseling Center
• Aspen Shackleford, Community Director, Department of Resident Life
• Jarrell Slade, Associate Director of Pre-College Programs, Department of Undergraduate Studies
• Natacha Thys, Staff and Faculty ADA Consultant, University Human Resources

The Terrapin Innovation Award recognizes staff who have introduced new ideas—whether fully implemented or still in the concept stage—that capture the spirit of moving Fearlessly Forward. Examples of their contributions include providing creative solutions to problems or workplace challenges, suggesting new ways to improve services or programs, and promoting productivity to enhance the workplace.

Terrapin Innovation Award recipients are:

• Pierre Campbell, Assistant Director for Communities, Department of Resident Life
• Shayna Hodges, Associate Director, Human Resources, Training, Organizational Development, Department of Transportation Services
• Penny Jacobs, Nurse Practitioner, University Health Center
• Zarna Pala, Assistant Director, Biological Sciences Graduate Program
• Erin Schlegel, Assistant Director for Communities, Department of Resident Life
• Mary Shelley, Director of Information Technology, School of Public Health
• Chantelle Smith, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Inclusive Communities, Honors College

Nominations for the Fearlessly Forward Awards will open again in Fall 2025. Learn more at the UHR website.