Following the 2026 State of the University Address Friday, 18 faculty and staff members were recognized for their exemplary work and contributions to UMSL. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
University of Missouri–St. Louis faculty and staff are integral to advancing the university’s mission to transform the lives of its students and the wider community.
Friday morning, UMSL honored 18 of those individuals for their outstanding contributions during the Chancellor’s Awards, held following the annual State of the University Address at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich announced the 11 faculty members and seven staff members receiving Chancellor’s Awards as well as the Gerald and Deanne Gitner Excellence in Teaching Award winner. Berberich shared the details of their exemplary work as Interim Chancellor Chris Spilling presented the awards.
“We are sharing only a glimpse into what makes them such valuable members of the UMSL community, but we are celebrating the skills and dedication that they bring to campus each day,” Berberich said.
The 2026 honorees include:
Gerald and Deanne Gitner Excellence in Teaching Award
Assistant Professor Meredith Moore
In the Department of Education Sciences and Professional Programs, Moore stands out as a sincere educator who cares deeply about forming genuine relationships with students to help them learn and grow as future counselors. Moore has a passion for teaching and for helping her students mature, not just in the subject matter, but also as people and as advocates for social justice. She intentionally incorporates diverse perspectives, addresses systemic inequities and facilitates critical dialogue around complex topics such as ethics and addiction. Her efforts to acknowledge marginalized voices and promote equity are foundational to her methodology. Moore effectively integrates her teaching, scholarship and service into a cohesive professional identity.
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Professor Kurt Baldwin
As professor of cello, Baldwin has had a profound impact on not only his students, but the broader UMSL community, as well. Baldwin’s impact is evident in how well his students perform and in the strong sense of camaraderie they build with one another. Through his teaching, mentoring and public engagement, he helps prepare students for careers in music performance, education and arts leadership. His outreach also connects the university with schools, cultural organizations and audiences across Missouri and beyond. His work reflects UMSL’s values by blending artistic excellence with a genuine commitment to service and community.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Collaborative Research and Creativity
Associate Professor Annah Bender
Assistant Professor Jill Delston
Bender and Delston’s collaborative project is a multi-year research program investigating theories of justice among survivors of intimate partner violence. This interdisciplinary work between social sciences and humanities represents a collaboration that is unique for both fields, as social work draws heavily upon applied ethics and many philosophical traditions in practice but rarely in research efforts. Their partnership has resulted in four conference presentations, three papers in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and a feature on the American Philosophy Association’s website. Their work exemplifies innovation not only in its development of a new theory of justice for survivors of intimate partner violence but also in its interdisciplinary nature, synthesizing principles from both social work and philosophy.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity
Professor and Chair Haitao Li
Since joining the Department of Supply Chain and Analytics in 2008, Li has developed a distinguished academic career with significant contributions to the field. These contributions have been sustained and evolving, reflecting his ability to address emerging challenges in both methodology and application domains. His recent work integrates artificial intelligence, simulation and optimization techniques to address issues such as food system resilience, advanced manufacturing and climate-smart supply chains. This work has advanced the field of supply chain analytics while also generating meaningful economic and societal benefits.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to a Tenured or Tenure-Track Faculty Member
Associate Professor Emily Gerstein
Gerstein came to UMSL as a psychological science faculty member in 2014. She is an exceptional faculty member, teacher and mentor with innovative and diverse approaches to learning and a firm dedication to UMSL’s students. Gerstein’s success lies not only in what her students accomplish but on the relationships she forges. Beyond the classroom, her mentorship goes above and beyond what is expected of a graduate advisor. She takes a developmental approach, scaffolding students’ learning while encouraging the independence needed to become successful scholars.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to a Non-Tenure Track Faculty Member
Teaching Professor Diane Saleska
Saleska has been educating future nurses at UMSL since 1998. From first-semester clinical cohorts to senior synthesis students approaching graduation, Saleska has impacted learners across every stage of the undergraduate curriculum. Her commitment to experiential learning and service is profound as she has guided students through the disaster recovery process of both Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin tornado as relief workers. The quality of her teaching and ability to challenge students to think critically and act with competence and compassion exemplifies the values the award honors.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence to a Part-Time Faculty Member
Adjunct Professor Layne Paubel Brown
Paubel Brown consistently demonstrates excellence through her use of multiple instructional and assessment approaches. Across undergraduate and graduate courses in communication and information systems, she integrates project-based learning, collaborative assignments, applied professional experiences and structured reflection. Her courses are thoughtfully organized, clearly communicated and designed to support a wide range of student learning needs. Beyond technical quality, Paubel Brown creates a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive and deeply engaging. She support students so they’re successful beyond the classroom.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Service
Associate Dean and Teaching Professor Jim Craig
Craig has made significant contributions that support UMSL’s recruitment and retention programs, including founding Veterans Studies at UMSL and creating a Veterans Studies Association. In doing so, Craig has helped UMSL create stronger ties to military families, leading to the university’s designation as a “military friendly campus.” He continues to be a steady advocate for a variety of programs and initiatives that strengthen the campus.
Chancellor’s Award for Sustained Excellence in Online Teaching
Assistant Professor Timothy Dombrowski
Dombrowski’s arrival at UMSL marked a pivotal moment for the online master’s program in fintech. His work in this area has not only contributed to the program’s success but has redefined how online courses in fintech can be delivered. One of the most distinctive features of Dombrowski’s online teaching is his innovative use of GitHub, which enables students to engage with real-world financial datasets, allowing students to develop critical skills in data processing, statistical analysis and machine learning. His innovative course design, forward-thinking integration of technology and unwavering commitment to student success make him an outstanding educator.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Trailblazer
Senior Academic Advisor and Success Coach Audri Adams
Adams has made a lasting impact within the Pierre Laclede Honors College through her dedication to student success, innovation and holistic education. Adams has expanded opportunities for students by creating professional development and career preparation workshops that equip honors students with the skills and confidence to enter the workforce prepared for success. Recognizing the importance of supporting the whole student, she also developed a course focused on student mental health and well-being, helping students build resilience alongside academic achievement. Through her leadership, creativity and commitment to student growth, Adams has enriched the Honors experience and exemplifies UMSL’s commitment to excellence.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Trailblazer
Manager of Community College Relationships Tami Davenport
Davenport embodies what it means to be a Trailblazer through her innovative, student-centered leadership and unwavering commitment to student success. Her impact is driven by meaningful collaboration, strategic relationship-building and a vision for expanding educational opportunity. Serving as a vital connector between multiple community college campuses and nearly every undergraduate academic program at UMSL, Davenport has strengthened partnerships that create lasting opportunities for transfer students. Her leadership has resulted in the completion of 12 articulation agreements, transforming her commitment to student advocacy into seamless pathways for academic success.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Creator
Director of Public Relations and Content Steve Walentik
For more than a decade, Walentik has exemplified an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible campus community. Through his leadership of UMSL’s public relations and digital content team, Walentik has shared the university’s most significant achievements and milestones, strengthening pride and connection among students, faculty, staff and alumni. Week after week, his storytelling reminds us what it means to be a Triton. His dedication to ensuring every individual feels informed, included and supported embodies the values this award celebrates.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Creator
Coordinator of Community and Belonging Jairo Javier Morales
Morales creates a campus environment where every student feels welcomed, supported and empowered to thrive. During the 2025–26 academic year, Morales revitalized Louie’s Closet, transforming it into a welcoming wellness space that provides students with essential resources and a sense of belonging. Additionally, he launched Quest St. Louis, an innovative program that offers students affordable, guided excursions throughout the St. Louis region, expanding opportunities for connection, exploration and engagement beyond campus. Through these initiatives, he has strengthened the student experience and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive university community.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Positive Influencer
Senior Academic Advisor Ken Rapsilber
Rapsilber exemplifies the dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment that define outstanding student support. Known throughout the advising office for his positive attitude and ability to find the silver lining in every challenge, Rapsilber consistently figures out solutions to help students succeed. Whether guiding them through complex financial aid issues or developing individualized academic plans to overcome transfer credit obstacles, he approaches every situation with expertise, empathy and determination. Through his welcoming and accessible advising style, he has empowered countless students to stay on track toward achieving their academic goals.
Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence – Positive Influencer
Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development James Schallom
Schallom exemplifies integrity, leadership and service through his unwavering commitment to UMSL Advancement. Schallom’s positive influence is evident not only in the meaningful relationships he builds with donors but also in the support and encouragement he provides to his colleagues. During times of transition within the division, he has been a steady and dependable presence, welcoming new team members, mentoring emerging fundraisers, improving processes and projects and consistently modeling professionalism and accountability. Through his lasting impact on donors, colleagues and students, he embodies the university’s core values and continues to build relationships that will benefit the UMSL community for years to come.
Faculty Retiree of the Year
Professor Emeritus Lawrence Barton
Barton joined the UMSL Department of Chemistry in 1966. He made a point to meet every chemistry student during his 41-year career. Not only did he serve as department chair for 18 years, but he was also a longtime member of the Faculty Senate and served as chair for two years. Until 2023, he remained active with the Alumni Association Board and has continued to be active with the Retirees Association Board. He has also remained active with the American Chemical Society and served on national committees through 2025.
Staff Retiree of the Year
Director of Community College Relations Melissa Hattman
After two decades of service in Student and Academic Affairs, Hattman retired as UMSL Director of Community College Relations in 2016. Hattman has previously held an elected position with the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees as well as on the Association of Community College Trustees sub-committees on diversity and governance and bylaws. She also has been an active member of the UMSL Retirees Association as membership chair, president-elect, president and immediate past president.
