14 Honored with University’s Top Honor
The University of Tennessee System (UT System) announced the recipients of the 2026 President’s Awards, recognizing 14 outstanding faculty and staff members from across the university.
This top honor recognizes employees whose work exemplifies the Be One UT values through their outstanding service, leadership and commitment to the university’s mission.
“These awards honor the exceptional talent, service and leadership of faculty and staff systemwide,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “Through their work, each honoree strengthens communities and creates lasting impact in Tennessee and beyond. They have earned this distinction and are helping define the greatest decade in UT history.”
Campus and institute leaders nominated recipients who were selected from across the UT System based on their demonstration of the university’s Be One UT values. Honorees will be recognized by Boyd, university chancellors and vice presidents during a special luncheon in August.
Established in 2016, the President’s Awards represent the highest honor a UT employee can receive. Building on the many outstanding recognition programs at each campus and institute, this program celebrates exceptional faculty and staff from across the state. The awards spotlight success, elevate achievements and inspire a culture of excellence throughout the UT System. Each winner receives a commemorative plaque and a $3,000 monetary award.
Bold and Impactful :
Steve Elliott
Professor and Chair, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, UT Martin
David Moore
Police Management Consultant, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, UT Institute for Public Service
Embrace Differences:
Alicia Maya-Donaldson
Professor and Director of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program, Department of Behavioral Sciences, UT Martin
Chris Stokes
Assistant Director of the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community, UT Chattanooga
Optimistic and Visionary:
Erkan Kaplanoglu
Professor and Department Head, Engineering Management and Technology, UT Chattanooga
Edwin Jeffres
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Facilities Administration, UT Health Sciences
Nimble and Innovative:
Tina Dudney
Associate Professor and Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education, UT Health Sciences
Ashley Bynum
Senior Associate Director for Internal Operations, Department of Athletics, UT Martin
Excel In All We Do:
Toni Wang
Institute Professor, Food Science, UT Knoxville/UT Institute of Agriculture
Kelly Mihalik
Special Projects Investigator and Public Safety Manager, Audit and Compliance,
UT System
United and Connected:
Adnan Rasool
Associate Professor and Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning, Political Science and Global Studies, UT Martin
Jennifer Sicking
Director of Publications, Division of Communications and Marketing,
UT System
Transparent and Trusted:
John Haas
Associate Professor, School of Communications Studies, UT Knoxville
Annie Fishel
Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy, Government Relations, Advocacy and Economic Development, UT System
Additional information about each President’s Award recipient can be found here.
