Seventeen outstanding individuals from across WSU Health Sciences were honored during the 2026 Health Sciences Excellence Awards during a ceremony on April 29.
A long-standing annual tradition, the Excellence Awards honor and celebrate students, faculty, and staff who contribute to the betterment of their disciplines, their community, and WSU.
Each year, nominations are submitted from across the health sciences, highlighting the contributions and profound impact of employees and students. A committee of department and college representatives reviews and ranks submissions and recommends honorees to senior leadership.
In his remarks, Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman noted that, “WSU, like all of higher education, is in a significant state of change, and it is fair to say that our health sciences programs may be feeling that more than most.”
“I hope that each of you recognizes that the work you are doing, on top of navigating change, matters far beyond our campuses. It is strengthening families, supporting communities, and helping shape a healthier future for our state and the world,” he said.
Faculty Awards
The Faculty Excellence Awards honor faculty members who exemplify the highest standards of excellence in pursuing WSU’s and the university’s mission and goals.
Excellence in Interprofessional Education
- Christine Hayes, MN, RNC-OB, FNE, CHSE, College of Nursing
Excellence in Teaching
- Emily Davies, DNP, MSN, RN, College of Nursing
Excellence in Service
- Jingru Sun, PhD, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Excellence in Research
- Lois James, PhD, College of Nursing
Staff Awards
These awards recognize WSU Health Science staff members who show outstanding contributions to our campus, community, and university.
Administrative Professional
- Jane Summers, Division of Student Affairs
Civil Service
- Kylie Ryan, Division of Student Affairs
- Tom McMeekin, College of Nursing
Student Awards
Leadership
These awards honor students for their leadership and academic contributions to the campus and university, as well as their commitment to innovation and ingenuity in their chosen field.
- Angel Ikueze, College of Nursing
- Katharine Yang, College of Nursing
- Caitlin Ottaway, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Ashlynne Foust, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Gillian Freeby, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drexler Yesiki, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Seaonna Piper, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Community Engagement
This award recognizes students who demonstrate meaningful impact in the surrounding communities through service-learning, philanthropy, or project-based initiatives that foster collaboration and contribute to significant community advancement.
- Jessica Liu, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Hannah Rae Tjelle, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Speech & Hearing Sciences
Legacy Award
This award recognizes a graduating student whose influence, ideals, and activities throughout their college career have had a lasting, positive impact at WSU. This award is open to graduating seniors or students in their final year of study at the university.
- Matthew Hohenwalter, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Please join us in congratulating this year’s award recipients!
2026 Excellence Awards Photos
View a full gallery of photos from this year’s Health Sciences Excellence Awards.
