The honorees represent a diverse array of academic disciplines, ranging from nursing and social sciences to business and doctoral studies. Provost and chief academic officer John Woods noted that these individuals embody the impact dedicated educators have on students' lives, particularly for the university's core demographic of working adult learners. The faculty members selected for this recognition average 29 years of professional experience and 16 years of teaching, bridging the gap between theoretical academic concepts and real-world workplace application.
University of Phoenix Honors 11 Educators for 50th Anniversary Year
Eleven instructors were honored as 2026 Faculty of the Year during a September 19 celebration at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The awards recognize educators for their mentorship and commitment to student success during the institution's half-century milestone, highlighting the practical expertise they bring to the classroom.
For recipients like Brett Novick of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the award serves as both a personal milestone and a reminder of the resilience students demonstrate. Mel Waterhouse, representing the College of General Studies, remarked that the recognition reinforces the shared mission of the faculty to support a unique student population. The full list of 2026 recipients includes Gina Coffaro, Karen Diggs, Patrick LaRose, Kimberly Mahr, Nita Magee, Scott McCalla, Valerie Merriwether, Brett Novick, Debra Sandberg, Melissa Warren, and Mel Waterhouse.
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