The University of Houston-Downtown community came together on April 14 to celebrate the extraordinary dedication, creativity, and impact of our faculty at the annual Faculty Awards Ceremony. These educators and researchers shape not only the lives of our students, but the broader communities we serve.  

This year, President Loren Blanchard surprised the audience as he closed out the formal opening remarks by presenting a special recognition of outstanding service to Dr. Paul Mandell for his work as the inaugural Presiding Officer of the inaugural Faculty Council in 2025-2026. In this role, Dr. Mandell has represented UHD faculty members by leading Faculty Council meetings, coordinating guest participation, and fostering productive dialogue, contributing to the successful establishment of a new shared governance structure grounded in collaboration, transparency, and meaningful faculty representation. 

Dr. Ashleigh Petts, who was just announced as the incoming 2026-2027 Faculty Council Presiding Officer, emceed, and 2025 award recipients had the honor of introducing nominees and winners in their respective categories.  

Outstanding Adjunct 

Zoe Smith (Adjunct Faculty, Management) 

 

Outstanding Lecturer/Clinical Faculty 

 Bridget Mueller (Senior Lecturer, Arts and Communication) 

 

Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activity  

Dr. Shahnaz Savani (Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice and Social Work) 

 

Excellence in Service 

Dr. Timothy Redl (Professor, Mathematics and Statistics) 

 

Excellence in Teaching 

Dr. Ayden Adler (Associate Professor, Arts and Communication) 

 

Faculty also received recognition for the following achievements: 

  • Development Awards 
  • Organized Research & Creative Activities Awards 
  • Funded Faculty Leave recipients 
  • Years of Service Awards for faculty reaching milestone anniversaries, spanning five to 35 years 

Throughout the program, presenters and award committee members acknowledged how difficult it was to choose between nominees, as each brought impressive, distinctive strengths to the table. Each candidate demonstrated markable dedication and impact.  

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all honorees and look forward to supporting their continued success in the year to come. 

If you’d like more on all those recognized at the event, you can view the full Faculty Awards program.