College of Design honors Faculty & Staff Excellence Award Winners

The University of Kentucky College of Design honored the 2024-25 Faculty and Staff Excellence Award winners during its annual employee award ceremony at the UK Arboretum in May.  

Selected by the College’s Honors & Awards Committee, these awards recognize an exemplary year or moment for a staff or faculty member - or the larger body of work in any area developed over a career.  Students, faculty and staff were all eligible to submit nominations. Honors & Awards Committee members compiled statements from each nomination(s) to read upon presenting the winners with an engraved julep cup during the ceremony.

The Staff Excellence Award acknowledges a staff member who goes beyond the call of duty to make the College of Design a better place. This year’s winner Alec Whisman, design technology specialist in the UK CoD Fabrication Lab, was recognized for his calm demeanor and willingness to help in even the most stressful of times. 

“He treats every student with respect, no matter their level of experience, and creates a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning,” Honors & Awards Committee member Hannah Dewhirst said in presenting the award. “Whether a student is troubleshooting a file or rushing to get a final print, Alec is patient, calm and helpful.” 

The Service Award acknowledges professional service to the college, university, community, and/or profession by staff or faculty. This year the Service Award was given to both a faculty member and a staff member. 

Belinda Rubio, administrative assistant to the College’s directors and department chairs, won for her commitment to her role and the betterment of the College. 

“Belinda has quickly been recognized as an asset not only in support of academic leadership, but also to the college at large,” Dewhirst said in presenting the award. “Her energy is always focused on the improvement of the college and those she cares about, even if that may require more work than expected on her end.” 

Emily Bergeron, associate professor in the Department of Historic Preservation, was also honored for her service in helping the College community to navigate the changes to the university’s shared governance structure and chairing the newly formed Facilities and Technology Committee.

“In all areas, she steers conversation in productive ways, keeps detailed notes, communicates outward, and focuses on moving things forward in thoughtful ways,” said Honors & Awards Committee Chair SK O’Brien in presenting the award. “She is action-oriented with the highest degree of fairness, professionalism and concern for our community.”

The New Faculty award recognizes a faculty member, or in this year’s case two, who has been with the College for a short time but has excelled in their teaching and research during their time here. 

Kristi Bartlett, assistant professor in the Department of Product Design, received the first of the two New Faculty awards.

“Her collegiality and willingness to support others create a ripple effect across the College – strengthening our community, deepening interdisciplinary work and helping elevate the research culture for all,” O’Brien said in presenting the award. 

Jennifer Meakins, assistant professor in the School of Interiors, also received the New Faculty award. 

“Her passion for learning is inspiring, and she pursues her research out of excitement and a true love of learning,” Dewhirst said when presenting the award. “Jenny brings this same passion to her teaching.”

The Faculty Teaching Award also had two winners this year. This award recognizes faculty members for their excellence and innovation in pedagogy and curriculum as well as student mentorship and support. School of Interiors Professor Patrick Lee Lucas and Visiting Assistant Professor Lily Le, with a dual appointment to teach in both the School of Architecture and the School of Interiors, were this year’s winners. 

“For a decade, Patrick has been a teaching innovator within and beyond the College,” O’Brien said during the ceremony. “Patrick regularly publishes on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, emphasizing the experiential and innovative approaches that are a hallmark of his courses.”

Dewhirst presented Le with her award saying, “In her first year of dual teaching in Interiors and Architecture, Lily has not only doubled her studio teaching load-working in both disciplines-but has done so with a level of care, creativity, and rigor that has left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.”

Last but certainly not least, the committee members also presented the Faculty Research Award, recognizing excellence and impact in research. Johanna Heinrichs, assistant professor in the School of Architecture, received this award. 

“Johanna's topic area has strong relevance to understanding the role of architecture in the city and in culture,” Dewhirst said. “In her research and teaching, she makes the connection between her historical area of expertise and the modern practice of architecture as a human, political, cultural and economic endeavor.”

During the ceremony, the College also recognized the following faculty and staff work anniversaries with service pins:

• Jonathan Mills, Chair, Department of Product Design – 5 years
• Jordan Hines, senior lecturer, School of Architecture – 10 years
• Kimberly Light, administrative assistant, College Business Office – 10 years, given in retrospect of her 10-year work anniversary several years ago when the College did not distribute service pins
• Michael McKay, associate professor, School of Architecture – 20 years
• Julie Riesenweber, associate professor, Department of Historic Preservation – 20 years

The ceremony concluded with a few special recognitions. First, Dean Ned Crankshaw recognized Jonathan Mills for his work in successfully launching the product design program, graduating the first class of PRD students and reorganizing the PRD curriculum based upon the experiences learned during the first complete student cycle through the program. Mills received a commemorative bottle of bourbon to recognize his diligence and commitment to his program and students. 

Second, Crankshaw recognized Associate Professor Daniel Vivian in the Department of Historic Preservation for being named the College’s 2025-26 University Research Professor. Crankshaw also recognized Johanna Heinrichs and Jeffrey Johnson for their upcoming faculty promotions to associate professor with tenure and full professor respectively, which will take effect on July 1. Lastly, Crankshaw wrapped up the ceremony by recognizing Lori Tiede for her staff promotion in joining the college as the Assistant Dean for Finance.