During the 2025 State of the University address, 19 UMSL faculty and staff members were recognized for their work. (Photo by Valerie Furlong)
Each and every day, University of Missouri–St. Louis faculty and staff members contribute to the university’s mission of transforming lives.
On Friday morning, 19 of those individuals were recognized for their work with UMSL’s annual Chancellor’s Awards. During the State of the University Address at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, Chancellor Kristin Sobolik highlighted outstanding contributions of 12 faculty members and seven staff members.
As Sobolik presented each of the winners with their awards, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich shared details of each one’s accomplishments. “These acknowledgments go to some of our most dedicated and accomplished colleagues,” Berberich said before introducing the winners.
2025 honorees include:
Gerald and Deanne Gitner Excellence in Teaching Award
Assistant Professor Renata Sledge
In her relatively short time as an assistant professor in the School of Social Work, Sledge has already established herself as a transformative and deeply respected educator. Sledge’s teaching philosophy is refreshingly grounded in both creativity and care. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected source – the Great British Bake Off – she models an instructional style that moves students through the familiar, the uncertain and, finally, the integrated and empowered. Her humility, responsiveness and enthusiasm model the very values the profession upholds. In short, Sledge is not just teaching social work; she is shaping thoughtful, confident and socially responsible professionals.
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Associate Professor Andresa De Souza
An associate professor of Educator Preparation and Leadership and program director for Applied Behavior Analysis, De Souza teaches both master’s and undergraduate courses in the College of Education. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering transformative learning experiences that empower students to reach their full potential. De Souza is committed to creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment where all students can thrive and also supporting her students’ learning and careers beyond UMSL. Students have made many comments on her classes being welcoming, which in turn supported their ideas of how to create those spaces themselves.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Collaborative Research and Creativity
Associate Professor Shea Kerkhoff
Associate Teaching Professor Katherine O’Daniels
Associate Dean Nancy Robb Singer
In 2019, Kerkhoff, O’Daniels and Robb Singer formed a Research Practice Policy Partnership called the “Show Me Literacies Collaborative” to address inequities in literacy outcomes and how to close education opportunity gaps in the St. Louis region and across the state. In 2020, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education collaborated with SMLC to create the logic model that guides the administration of a federal grant, “Comprehensive State Literacy Development.” This partnership advances literacy education research and provides direct support and outreach to PreK-12 teachers, their students and higher education across the state of Missouri. Over the span of the last five years, a total of over $18 million was awarded to Missouri DESE with nearly $5 million awarded to UMSL for work with K-12 schools. As a result of the collaborative efforts of the grant, MO DESE applied for and secured a second round of funding in 2024. This includes potential federal funding of $49 million from 2024 to 2029 to Missouri DESE with a proposed five-year partnership of over $5 million awarded to UMSL to provide direct services and support for preK-12 educators.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity
Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies James O’Brien
O’Brien’s research concerns applying high-resolution intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy to study the detailed structure and energetics of diatomic species and small molecules such as methane (CH4). He has constructed on his own, and using components made at UMSL, a one-of-a-kind facility that is the most sensitive in the world for recording these high-resolution spectra. His laboratory has become the leader in the U.S., if not the world, in the development and application of the technique of intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy. His lab is a technical tour-de-force and speaks to his incredible skill at designing and creating the vast arrangement of precision machined mirror mounts and holders for optical components that make up just a part of his system.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to a Tenured or Tenure-Track Faculty Member
Assistant Professor Jill Delston
Delston has proven herself committed to transforming lives through her teaching and devotion to educating UMSL students and student involvement. Her interaction with the student body as a whole, and individually, is wholeheartedly caring; her non-exhaustive knowledge of countless subjects is immensely impressive; and her humility toward addressing the great unknowns of philosophy is admirably inspiring. From outstanding student evaluations to enthusiastic peer observations and a host of innovative teaching strategies, all the evidence points to Delston’s absolute excellence as an innovative teacher and educator.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to a Non-Tenure Track Faculty Member
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Ensembles Matthew Henry
Henry is a highly sought-after, active percussionist and drummer in and around St. Louis for work that spans virtually all genres. An alum of UMSL with a deep understanding of the general student perspective, his expertise in non-Western percussion, such as the drumming of the Malinke ethnic group of West Africa and Cuban styles, lends itself to teaching global perspectives. Henry is an exemplary teacher who brings passion for his work, generosity, empathy and openness to his students. In doing so, he inspires students to also open their hearts and minds to new cultures and ideas.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence to a Part-Time Faculty Member
Adjunct Professor Gwen Stubblefield
Stubblefield is a proud UMSL alum, earning her bachelor’s from the College of Nursing’s RN-BSN program. The epitome of a community health nurse, Stubblefield has poured her wisdom and love for the St. Louis community into her many students since her start at UMSL in 2015. She takes time to connect with her students through the sharing of life lessons in her many nursing roles throughout the St. Louis community. In addition to clinical oversight, she also actively participates in student projects and trainings to help students connect classroom learning with real world activities in clinical settings.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service
E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Urban Education Jerome E. Morris
Morris’ research, teaching and service reflect a deep and abiding commitment to accessing educational opportunities, engaging communities and transforming the lives of those adversely impacted by racial and economic social forces. Morris’ conceptual frameworks emphasize the need for authentic partnerships with historically marginalized people and low-resource communities and schools. Morris has recently been voted president-elect of the American Educational Research Association and will join the AERA Council from 2025-26 as president-elect. His presidency begins at the conclusion of the association’s 2026 annual meeting.
Chancellor’s Award for Sustained Excellence in Online Teaching
Associate Professor Umit Tokac
Tokac’s exemplary record of online teaching, particularly in the challenging fields of biostatistics and data science, demonstrates a profound commitment to student success and innovative online pedagogy. Over the past six years, he has taught 29 course sections (not including 13 dissertation research sections) across multiple departments at UMSL as well as cross listed courses within the University of Missouri System, predominantly at the graduate level. Tokac’s commitment to curriculum improvement and innovation is evident in his continuous enhancement of his online courses, continuing education in online pedagogy and contributions to educational outcomes research. These consistent themes underscore Tokac’s commitment to student success and his excellence in online teaching.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Trailblazer
Missouri Institute of Mental Health Co-Associate Director Julie Mannarino
Mannarino is a constant source of positive enthusiasm, leading by example and always exceeding expectations. She consistently demonstrates integrity through her respectful and responsive interactions, even while managing an extraordinary workload. Her dedication to getting the details right and her upbeat, can-do attitude inspire those around her to push through challenges and aim higher. She leads by example, empowering others to succeed through her positivity, accountability and unwavering support.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Trailblazer
Senior Research Associate Keri Jupka
In her role in the College of Nursing, Jupka embodies the very essence of this award, consistently fostering engagement through open-minded, inviting and solution-oriented partnerships both within the College of Nursing and in the wider UMSL community. She provides comprehensive support that directly enhances the college’s research output and cultivates a culture of scholarly inquiry through open-minded collaboration. Her unwavering dedication to driving change for the greater good is not just a part of her work; it is the very foundation upon which she operates. Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to fostering engagement, building solution-oriented partnerships and driving change for the greater good.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Creator
Senior Business Support Specialist Dat Le
Throughout his time at UMSL, Le has been – and continues to be – a beacon of contagious positivity spreading through the business support team, the entire College of Education and beyond. Le has fostered a culture of hard work and good fun that has led to increased satisfaction of all team members. He has created an excellent environment for both staff and faculty, he has created improved and seamless workflows in the College of Education, and he has created an excellent team of employees. He’s the kind of leader who creates a welcoming and productive work environment for all.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Creator
Assistant Director of Planning, Design, and Construction Blake Sutter
Sutter is a true trailblazer at UMSL, leading with vision, precision and unwavering commitment. As the lead project manager for the Transform UMSL initiative, Sutter has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of a $112 million campus transformation plan encompassing over 40 individual projects. Sutter is helping shape the physical environment in ways that directly support student recruitment, retention and overall campus experience. His strategic foresight and keen eye for designing functional, welcoming spaces are helping to take UMSL to the next level. Sutter is not only managing one of the most ambitious undertakings in UMSL history – he is doing so with excellence, integrity and a deep commitment to the university’s future.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Positive Influencer
Associate Director of Clinical Operations Angel Forsha
Forsha exemplifies the spirit of this award through her exceptional leadership, tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of clinic faculty, staff and students in the College of Optometry. Forsha’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond interpersonal support. She is deeply invested in improving systems and processes within the clinic, leveraging her expertise in business, accounting, data analytics and health care software to create custom reports and solutions that enhance productivity. Her exceptional problem-solving skills and compassionate nature make her a go-to resource across all levels of our community.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Positive Influencer
Business Support Specialist Emily Eden
Eden drives innovation in the College of Education not with flashy overhauls, but with meaningful, human-centered change. She makes financial systems more accessible, builds goodwill, inspires success and invites collaboration. She doesn’t just train – she equips and uplifts. Her work empowers her colleagues to navigate complex systems, meet deadlines and serve others effectively.
Faculty Retiree of the Year
Emeritus Associate Professor of Optometry William Howard McAlister
Since his retirement in 2018, McAlister has made remarkable strides both in academic research and professional service, all of which bring global recognition to UMSL. He has authored six peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered 11 conference presentations (six of which were at international meetings) and has received four prestigious awards that, together, honor and recognize the profound impact he has made across the broader health care community. Dr. McAlister freely donates his time and experience to professional organizations. Since his retirement, he has served on the World Council of Optometry, six years on the Board of Directors for the Voluntary Optometric Service to Humanity/International and on the Optometric Historical Society Committee of the American Optometric Association. Most recently, he was appointed as an UMSL representative to the International Optometric Educators Committee of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. His contributions to the profession since his retirement continue to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of UMSL.
Staff Retiree of the Year
Director of University Events Cindy Vantine
Vantine continues the same unwavering commitment to community service, leadership and mentorship since she retired from UMSL in 2018. She currently serves as president of her homeowners’ association and president of the Artist Presentation Society, a 77-year-old organization that encourages and promotes exceptional young musicians in the Midwest, giving them performance opportunities in the early stages of their careers. She is an ensemble member, having toured nationally with the Cornerstone Chorale and Brass, a social justice music organization of professional singers, brass players and percussionists. She is the minister of music, serving as organist and choir accompanist at the Lutheran Church of Atonement in Florissant, and she continues to serve as both singer and event organizer for the Bel Canto Chorus of St. Louis. When she is not using her many talents to uplift and lead others, she can be found on the UMSL campus taking classes, doing water aerobics and attending performances at the Touhill. She continues to be one of UMSL’s biggest supporters and advocates in the community.
