The UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences honored nine faculty and staff members with 2026 awards for work that advances research, supports student success and mentorship, strengthens operations, and makes an impact in communities across Connecticut.

The recipients were recognized at the CLAS College Celebration on April 15. The event also honored more than 25 faculty members recommended for promotion or tenure, to be considered by the UConn Board of Trustees on April 29.

“This has been a challenging year, yet these colleagues have continued to demonstrate exceptional dedication and achievement,” says Ofer Harel, dean of CLAS. “I’m continually amazed by their accomplishments and the impact they have on our community.”

The annual CLAS Faculty and Staff Awards recognize outstanding achievement across several categories.

Academic Leadership Award

The Academic Leadership Award honors exemplary leadership by an individual who oversees a CLAS department, school, center, institute, or program.

Mark Healey, professor and head of history, was recognized for his leadership in strengthening departmental climate, transparency, and academic success. Since becoming head in 2018, colleagues credit him with improving communication, developing internal documentation, strengthening mentorship, and preparing faculty for future leadership roles. He has also elevated the department’s profile while enhancing the undergraduate curriculum and improving graduate student outcomes.

Faculty Mentoring Awards

The Faculty Mentoring Awards recognize faculty who demonstrate exemplary support, encouragement, and the creation of opportunities to enrich the learning and professional development of others.

Doug Adamson, professor of chemistry, was recognized for his long-standing commitment to mentoring faculty. His work includes both practical and intellectual support, helping faculty navigate institutional processes, build research programs, and succeed at every stage of their careers. His mentorship has led to major collaborations, including grant funding, patents, and the founding of a company.

Natalie Munro, professor of anthropology, was recognized for mentoring graduate students across all career stages. Her approach balances rigor and warmth while supporting students through grant writing, data collection, publication, and professional networking. Her impact extends beyond her advisees through her establishment of funds to support graduate research and teaching within the department.

Sean Frederick Forbes, associate professor-in-residence of English, received the undergraduate mentoring award for sustained mentorship through Honors theses, IDEA grants, independent studies, and weekly workshops. His students have earned awards, published their work, and gone on to careers in publishing, media, and doctoral study, while also benefiting from opportunities to learn from a broader community of visiting writers.

Strategic Goal Awards

The Strategic Goal Awards honor faculty whose work advances key priorities of the College and University, including promoting holistic student success, expanding research impact, and supporting a thriving Connecticut.

Xiaojing Wang, professor of statistics, was recognized for expanding research impact. Her work addresses complex data challenges such as missing information, irregular sampling, and evolving behaviors. Her methods have improved how researchers analyze large-scale data and have informed decisions in fields including education policy, clinical practice, and environmental analysis. Her contributions have been recognized with major awards, including an NSF CAREER Award, and publications in leading journals.

Noga Shemer, associate professor-in-residence of anthropology, was recognized for promoting holistic student success. She developed “dialogic pedagogy,” a teaching approach that uses structured conversations to engage students with complex topics such as identity, culture, and inequality. Her work has had a broad institutional impact beyond her own teaching, including training faculty and shaping undergraduate curriculum, as well as helping implement UConn’s Dialogue Competency common curriculum requirement.

Mohamad Alkadry, professor of public policy, was recognized for his contributions to powering a thriving Connecticut. His research focuses on advancing equity and improving government systems, translating scholarship into real policy impact in areas such as pay equity and workforce diversity. His work has directly informed state decision-making. and he currently serves as president of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

Staff Excellence Awards

The Staff Excellence Award honors two staff members each year who bring distinction and innovation to their work and advance the CLAS mission.

Sirrah Galligan, educational program manager and clinical education administrator in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, was honored for leading complex clinical and accreditation systems with innovation and precision. Her work supports graduate education, ensures program compliance, and strengthens the College’s academic reputation while improving student outcomes.

Mark McConnel, administrative coordinator in the Department of Economics, was recognized for his adaptive problem-solving, quiet leadership, and deep institutional knowledge. His work plays a critical role in maintaining stability and continuity across one of the College’s largest departments and enhances its academic and research productivity.