UIndy Recognizes Faculty and Staff with 2025-2026 Achievement Awards

Today, the University of Indianapolis announced the recipients of this year’s Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards. 

Congratulations to the following faculty and staff for being recognized for their achievements and successes during the 2025-2026 academic year:

The Collaborative Team Spirit Award

The Collaborative Spirit Award recognizes a team or department that has demonstrated successful collaboration. Whether they created a project, solved an issue that resulted in improvements, planned a new program or initiative, offered a service, or streamlined a process, the nominated groups are examples of the positive effects of true teamwork.

The Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge (Pro Edge) Center Team: Kirk Bryans, Brittany Dyer, Stephanie Kendall-Dietz, Rebecca Merriman, Michelle Moore, and Jessica Sremanak

The team at the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge (Pro Edge) Center is a dedicated, collaborative partner for offices and programs across the University, working to connect students from all areas of campus with opportunities to develop professional skills and prepare for life after graduation.

The team regularly goes beyond responding to requests, proactively finding ways to include students in Pro Edge programming and adapting opportunities to help them succeed. This includes mentoring students from programs across campus, including student-athletes and students in the Build program, as well as connecting students with employers and career opportunities in Indianapolis and beyond.

For Build students, specifically, that collaboration has taken many forms. Before UIndy’s campus job fair, Pro Edge staff spent two weeks teaching social skills and helping students become familiar with the event space. They also created a dedicated space to accommodate sensory needs during the fair. Each year, the team ensures that Build students are included in its etiquette dinner, providing opportunities for students to practice professional skills in a supportive environment. Pro Edge staff have also worked directly with Build’s first-year students to explore majors and identify academic paths that align with their interests and goals.

In the words of their nominator, “The Pro Edge team rarely uses the word ‘no’—they seem to always say yes to any opportunity to collaborate or help students. They are proactive in including my students in every activity Pro Edge creates and actively plan for their success.”

The Enhancing the Student Experience Award

The Enhancing the Student Experience Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in inspiring students through innovative practice fueled by enthusiasm. The recipient of this award exemplifies extraordinary efforts to increase student success and promote a positive, healthy, and impactful learning experience.

Since joining UIndy in 2016, Ben Houston has dedicated his career to helping students find their path to the University. As associate director of transfer admissions, Houston serves as a dedicated advocate for transfer students, supporting them from their initial interest in UIndy through enrollment and the start of classes.

Houston’s work extends far beyond recruitment. He collaborates with departments across campus—including Academic Advising, Athletics, Financial Aid, Marketing, the Registrar and Student Affairs—to remove barriers and create a seamless transfer experience. He also plans events and programming specifically designed to help transfer students feel welcomed and supported as they begin their UIndy journey.

Houston’s commitment to transfer students extends beyond campus. Through his work with the Indiana Transfer Council and relationships with Ivy Tech campuses across the state, he connects with prospective students where they are—visiting campuses, presenting in classrooms and building relationships with students and colleagues. Through these efforts, Houston helps ensure transfer students see UIndy not simply as a place they can continue their education, but as a place where they can belong and succeed.

In the words of their nominator, “Ben’s efforts as a one-man transfer band have greatly contributed to this campus. Transfer enrollment has risen consistently during Ben’s tenure, and is on track to continue to do so. He advocates for his students in any space he can get into. I’ve witnessed the congeniality he establishes with his students at admissions visits and events, as well as chatting with his students in the cafeteria at lunch long after they joined our Greyhound pack. Ben makes each and every one of his students feel important and valued, and he supports them before, during, and after they are Greyhounds.”

The Spirit of UIndy Award

The Spirit of UIndy Award recognizes a staff member who goes beyond simply taking pride in the University, but embodies what it means to live UIndy’s mission. The recipient of this award is a shining example of excellence, positivity, loyalty, teamwork, creativity, and cooperation, serving as the beating heart of the institution, acting with integrity, respect, and compassion, and always looking out for the welfare and well-being of others.

As manager of graduate business programs, Lord supports students throughout their UIndy journey, from recruitment and admissions through enrollment and graduation. She provides individualized guidance to students in the MBA, Master of Science in Data Analytics and Master of Science in Management programs while coordinating orientations, recruitment events and other opportunities that connect students with the School of Business and the broader UIndy community.

Her work has also made a significant impact on the growth of UIndy’s graduate business programs. Through her customer-focused approach, recruitment efforts and commitment to supporting students throughout the enrollment process, Lord has helped the programs achieve significant enrollment growth while strengthening the experience for prospective and current students.

Beyond her formal responsibilities, Lord is known as a dependable source of knowledge for her colleagues and a dedicated advocate for the success of the University. She serves on several search committees, coordinates the School of Business Awards Ceremony and participates in events that introduce prospective and current students to the UIndy community. 

In the words of their nominator, “Kim is a hardworking, dedicated manager who strives for excellence in her work duties. She always has UIndy’s success in mind and is well liked by staff, faculty, and students. She is a repository of knowledge that her colleagues can depend on and leverage. I cannot think of anyone at UIndy who is more deserving of this reward. Kim represents everything that education service represents.”

The Inclusive Excellence Award

The Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes a UIndy staff member who makes noteworthy contributions that help advance inclusive excellence at the University. This individual has demonstrated recognizable efforts exceeding their job responsibilities that promote, support, and improve inclusion at UIndy, and help to enrich experiences for faculty, staff, and students.

For more than 25 years, Stephen Smith has been a dedicated advocate for UIndy students, helping them navigate the academic, personal and financial challenges that can stand in the way of their success. His approach is rooted in compassion, patience, and a belief that every student deserves the support and opportunity to find a path forward.

Smith regularly goes beyond the traditional responsibilities of his role to ensure students have access to the resources and guidance they need. He has supported students navigating complex immigration challenges, helped students resolve academic issues, and provided a listening ear to those facing personal circumstances that threatened their ability to continue their education. He is known for responding to students after hours and even during school breaks, making himself available when they need support most.

Through his willingness to advocate for students, remove barriers, and provide individualized support, Smith demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive at UIndy. His work reflects an inclusive approach to student support—one that recognizes that students may need different forms of guidance and advocacy to reach their goals.

In the words of their nominator, “In every interaction, Stephen approaches students with empathy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping them find a path forward. He consistently goes beyond what is expected of him to ensure students feel supported, heard, and empowered to continue pursuing their goals.”

The UIndy Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award is presented to a staff member with fewer than two years of service at UIndy who has made a unique, significant contribution not only to embracing the spirit of the university but also to providing superb service and fostering interdepartmental relationships. An emerging leader shows signs of strength, integrity, and continuous improvement professionally and personally.

In less than a year at the University of Indianapolis, Nastassia Chamoun has demonstrated the initiative, adaptability, and commitment to service of an established leader. When staffing transitions created significant needs within the Office of Advancement, Chamoun stepped beyond the traditional scope of her role to take on complex responsibilities and ensure the office continued to serve the University effectively.

During this transition, Chamoun assumed responsibilities typically handled at the director level, including preparing reports for the Board of Trustees, President, deans, and athletic director. Rather than simply maintaining existing processes, she also looked for opportunities to make them better.

Chamoun introduced Power BI and Power Automate to the Office of Advancement, using the tools to streamline reporting, reduce manual work, and create more efficient, data-driven processes. Her efforts have improved the way the office manages information while creating opportunities for stronger collaboration across departments.

Her leadership extends beyond her own office. Chamoun has helped build connections between Advancement and UIndy Athletics, including working with coaching staff to develop strategies for UIndy Day. She has also continued to support UIndy student-athletes beyond her professional responsibilities, demonstrating a commitment to the University community that extends well beyond her job description.

In the words of their nominator, “Nastassia demonstrates not only professional skill but also integrity, initiative, and a commitment to continuous improvement. She fosters strong interdepartmental relationships and consistently delivers high-quality service while embracing the university’s mission. Her contributions in such a short time have been significant, impactful, and lasting.”

The Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award recognizes a staff member who is dedicated not only to executing their job, but also to helping others and filling in where needed, performing tasks at a quality level, actively solving problems, and demonstrating dependability, responsibility, and perseverance-all without fanfare. The recipient of this award takes initiative to solve problems and improve work situations without being prompted and is an invaluable team member.

When Tracy Van Welde sees a problem, she doesn’t wait to be asked—she solves it. Her commitment to supporting faculty and students is evident in the way she anticipates needs and steps in to help, often before anyone has asked for assistance.

When unexpected heating issues impacted Martin and Lilly Halls, Van Welde immediately recognized the disruption they could cause and proactively worked with affected departments to help faculty find alternative classroom spaces. Her quick response helped ensure classes could continue without interruption, minimizing stress for faculty and ensuring students didn’t lose valuable class time.

In the words of her nominator, “Tracy consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to our faculty and students, often anticipating needs before they even arise. Her foresight, resourcefulness and calm under pressure in this situation exemplify the vital role she plays in keeping our academic enterprise running smoothly. Tracy is a true asset to this university and is highly deserving of this recognition.”

The Outstanding Faculty Award

The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary integration of teaching, scholarship, and service.

Dr. Christine Kroll exemplifies the intersection of teaching, scholarship and service through her work at the University of Indianapolis and in the occupational therapy profession. A respected and positive presence in the School of Occupational Therapy, Kroll is known for her innovative approach to teaching and her commitment to helping students and colleagues embrace new ideas.

Dr. Kroll has played a key role in the University’s efforts to thoughtfully explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. As a member of the team pursuing a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant focused on AI and an AI faculty extender for the Faculty Academy, she has helped students and faculty understand how emerging technologies can be thoughtfully incorporated into teaching, learning, and professional work. She has continued these efforts in 2026, sharing her expertise as UIndy considers the opportunities and challenges AI presents for higher education.

Her commitment to students extends beyond the classroom. Dr. Kroll coordinates capstone projects for occupational therapy students, supporting them as they pursue scholarly work and celebrating their accomplishments each year. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship has made her a valued and respected faculty member among both students and colleagues.

Dr. Kroll’s service also extends beyond the University. She serves in an elected national leadership role with the American Occupational Therapy Association, increasing UIndy’s visibility within the profession while contributing her expertise to the broader occupational therapy community.

Alongside her teaching and service, Dr. Kroll has continued to advance her scholarly agenda, bringing her expertise as an educator and occupational therapist into her research and professional work. Through her willingness to embrace emerging ideas, share her knowledge, and support the scholarly pursuits of others, she demonstrates the integration of teaching, scholarship, and service at the heart of the Outstanding Faculty Award.

In the words of her nominator, “Dr. Kroll is a valued member of the School of Occupational Therapy and has made a real impact at the University. As a key member of the team behind the Lilly Grant for AI, Dr. Kroll has helped UIndy thoughtfully navigate the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence, helping to shape curriculum and prepare our campus community for the future. Her innovative teaching, continued scholarly work, and national leadership in occupational therapy demonstrate her commitment to sharing her expertise in service to her students, colleagues, University, and profession.”

The Institutional Leadership Award

The Institutional Leadership Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional leadership by advancing a program, committee, task force, or other group to achieve goals of importance to UIndy.

Over the past three years, Dr. Whiteacre has helped transform the University’s approach to academic assessment, strengthening the processes that help faculty and administrators evaluate and improve UIndy’s academic programs. As the University’s inaugural Director of Assessment, he has also played a critical role in guiding UIndy through the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) reaccreditation process and establishing a path forward to address the commission’s recommendations.

When Dr. Whiteacre stepped into his role, UIndy’s five-year program review process was somewhat fragmented. He quickly established standardized timelines and processes, introduced a new administrative response template, and began building a more cohesive approach to program review—one designed not simply to meet requirements, but to inform academic planning and program development.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Whiteacre has worked to make assessment a collaborative process rather than simply a set of requirements. He has led workshops, met with academic units and consulted with the Provost’s Office and Council, the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, academic departments, and individual faculty members. Through these conversations, he has helped faculty and administrators better understand how assessment can support their work and, ultimately, improve the student experience.

In the words of their nominator, “The cumulative effect of Dr. Whiteacre’s work is a reinvigorated institution-wide focus on a critical, but sometimes underappreciated aspect of our work. For those who spearhead initiatives that span our academic units, it should be easily recognized that this is no small feat. The next Director of Assessment, our faculty, administrators, and our students will benefit greatly from the groundwork he laid. Simply put, Dr. Whiteacre’s leadership will have a lasting impact at UIndy.”

The Connecting Expertise with Action Award

The Connecting Expertise with Action Award recognizes a faculty member or team of faculty members who has successfully pursued work across disciplinary lines in the areas of scholarship, program development, curricula, service, or coursework.

Rebecca McKanna, Associate Professor of English, and Dan Vice, Associate Professor of English, Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences

Following the passing of Etchings Press founder Kevin McKelvey, Rebecca McKanna and Dan Vice stepped forward to help lead the student-run publication into its next chapter.

An award-winning novelist and widely published writer, McKanna brings students valuable insight into the literary marketplace, showing them how books are developed, edited, and positioned for publication. Her editorial expertise allows her to mentor students through the publishing process, from evaluating manuscripts to bringing finished works to readers.

Vice brings a decade of teaching experience, editorial expertise, and deep institutional knowledge to Etchings Press. Having taught across creative writing, literature and publishing, he understands the practical systems that transform literary work into a finished publication. His experience as a fiction editor and judge allows him to mentor students with professional rigor while helping them build confidence in their critical judgment.

Together, McKanna and Vice have brought complementary expertise to Etchings Press, giving students hands-on experience with the realities of publishing while ensuring the press remains true to the vision of its founder. Their leadership has allowed Etchings Press to continue serving as both a creative outlet for students and a meaningful learning experience that connects the classroom to the real world.

In the words of their nominator, “In the wake of personal grief and institutional tragedy, Dan and Rebecca chose to lead. They have ensured that Etchings Press remains a site of influence—shaping literary conversations while preparing our students for engaged, meaningful careers. They have kindly paused with each major decision to assess whether the direction the press heads honors the spirit of Etchings Press Kevin McKelvey founded. They have leveraged their creative and administrative expertise to solve a complex institutional challenge, elevating UIndy’s reputation as a leader in the applied humanities.”

The Teaching in the Core Award

The Teaching in the Core Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching core coursework for undergraduate students.

In her time at the University of Indianapolis, Dr. Lacey Davidson has made a lasting impact on students through engaging, rigorous and relevant core courses. The majority of her course offerings contribute to UIndy’s undergraduate core curriculum, including First-Year Seminar courses, introductory ethics, social and political philosophy, and special topics courses that introduce students to new questions in philosophy and ethics.

Davidson has also developed innovative learning opportunities that connect the core curriculum to students’ broader experiences at UIndy and beyond. Through a paired-course initiative designed to support first-year exploring students, Dr. Davidson and colleagues Dr. Ana Maria Ferreira and Dr. Colleen Wynn linked three general education courses to provide students with additional mentorship and support during a critical period of their college experience. The initiative received funding through both the Shaheen Student Achievement Grant and Presidential Innovation Fund.

Dr. Davidson’s commitment to student success extends beyond her own classroom. Her support and communication with students have earned recognition from staff in the Registrar’s Office, and she has collaborated with colleagues across four departments to develop courses and initiatives that support students throughout their UIndy experience. As director of the UIndy Center for Ethics, she has also created additional opportunities for students to engage with ethical questions beyond the traditional classroom.

In the words of her nominator, “Because of her outstanding teaching, her willingness to take individual and collaborative risks to produce dynamic learning opportunities, and her unflagging support for students, Dr. Lacey Davidson merits the Teaching in the Core Award. She is among the strongest teachers UIndy has, and the fact that she spends most of her time teaching core classes, to which she is incredibly dedicated, demonstrates her commitment to ensuring that our students have an excellent learning experience that challenges them and prepares them for lifelong learning and growth.”

The Emerging Scholar Award

The Emerging Scholar Award recognizes a faculty member who is new to higher education and within the first four years of service. The faculty member must have demonstrated significant progress toward implementation of a successful scholarly agenda.

Since joining the University of Indianapolis in 2024, Dr. Harsh Kumar has quickly established himself as an emerging scholar in the field of engineering. He has published 17 conference and journal articles, including nine in 2026 alone, while building a research agenda focused on challenges that are increasingly important to the future of energy and power systems.

Dr. Kumar’s research explores smart-grid and power delivery systems and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), an area of growing importance as communities and industries face increasing demands on the nation’s power grid. He has developed a strong national research network while also building a focused research team at UIndy.

His scholarly work has earned recognition on the national and international stage. Kumar received the Best Research Paper and Presenter Award at the 2025 IEEE 15th Annual Computing and Communication Workshop and Conference in Las Vegas, as well as the Best Research Paper and Presenter Award at the 2024 Information Technology, Electronics and Mobile Communication Conference at the University of California, Berkeley.

At the same time, Kumar has brought his research expertise into the classroom, incorporating AI and smart-grid technology into UIndy’s engineering curriculum. His work reflects the kind of scholar and educator who not only advances his field, but also prepares students to contribute to its future.

In the words of their nominator, “Dr. Kumar is accomplishing this solid research focus while maintaining and developing excellence in teaching and curriculum development, including incorporating AI and smart-grid technology into our curriculum. Harsh is on his way to national and international recognition for his research, and with excellent teaching, he is a rising star and worthy of this honor.”

The Outstanding Scholar Award

The Outstanding Scholar Award recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly work has received substantial external recognition.

A valued voice in the School of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Katie Polo has built a distinguished body of scholarship focused on improving care for people affected by cancer. Her work combines research, community engagement, and student mentorship while advancing the role of occupational therapy in oncology care.

Over the past year, Dr. Polo has continued to expand her research in oncology-based occupational therapy, submitting two manuscripts and a grant proposal to support further investigation into barriers to occupational therapy care for people with cancer.

Her most significant recent accomplishment has been the international recognition of the Screen of Cancer Survivorship-Occupational Therapy Services (SOCS-OTS), a screening tool designed to identify cancer survivors who may benefit from occupational therapy. Dr. Polo began developing the tool in 2019 in collaboration with occupational therapy student research groups and through her work with the Cancer Support Community of Central Indiana. That work culminated in the publication of a Delphi study validating the tool in 2024.

In February 2026, Dr. Polo presented her research on the SOCS-OTS at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, where she shared two posters and a research presentation. Her work has also led to collaborations with occupational therapy researchers around the world, including Dr. Khawla Loubani, a postdoctoral fellow at Tel Aviv University. Dr. Polo mentored Dr. Loubani during her postdoctoral fellowship, resulting in Dr. Loubani’s visit to UIndy in 2023, co-authorship on two presentations at the WFOT Congress, and two additional manuscripts currently under review.

In the words of their nominator, “Dr. Polo has demonstrated what it means to be an outstanding scholar on this campus. Her work has elevated the international visibility of the University of Indianapolis within the past year and has greatly benefited occupational therapy practitioners and the clients they serve.”

The Education for Service Award

The Education for Service Award recognizes a faculty member who best represents the UIndy motto, ‘education for service,’ in their teaching or scholarly work.

For more than 25 years, Jim Viewegh has shared his expertise in the visual arts with the University of Indianapolis and the broader community. As the University’s Permanent Collection Curator, he has worked to build a collection that not only preserves important works of art, but also creates opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to engage with art in meaningful ways.

In recent years, Viewegh has helped add more than 150 works to the University’s permanent collection, expanding its breadth and diversity through a range of artistic media and the work of makers from historically underrepresented groups. He has also collaborated with faculty to create opportunities for UIndy students to contribute works to the collection through their academic programs, giving them a meaningful, one-of-a-kind experience while leaving a lasting mark on the University.

Through his stewardship of the collection, Viewegh has made art an avenue for connection, learning, and conversation across campus. His work ensures that the University’s artistic and cultural resources are not simply preserved, but actively experienced and enjoyed by the UIndy community.

In the words of their nominator, “Jim has acted as a true steward of the highest sort, protecting and expanding the artistic and cultural treasures that we are custodians of for the benefit of our campus and community. His motivations have always been to ensure that the collection is accessible to our campus community to evoke thought, discussion, and appreciation. When I think of someone who has acted in the true spirit of ‘education for service’, I think of Jim and how he has employed his expertise, time, and talents in the service of our students, community, and campus.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s Faculty and Staff Achievement Award winners!