Award honors top UOPX faculty nominated by students and faculty colleagues
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–University of Phoenix honored its annual Faculty of the Year Award recipients at an awards ceremony event held Saturday, May 17, at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The Faculty of the Year Award is part of the Faculty Rewards & Recognition Program at University of Phoenix (UOPX). Each year, the university announces a nomination period and asks students, employees and faculty to nominate UOPX faculty for the award. The awards ceremony was part of a series of weekend activities held to promote community and connection for faculty recipients.
“At University of Phoenix, our faculty are more than educators. Having spent time with all of them, I can attest to the fact that they are mentors, real-world professionals, and enormous advocates for student success,” states John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer. “This award is not just a recognition of teaching excellence; it underscores the vital role our faculty play in guiding, supporting, and inspiring students. We are proud to honor their achievements and the lasting impact they have on our students’ lives every day.”
The Faculty of the Year Award honors the contributions of UOPX faculty across the university’s seven colleges: College of Business and Information Technology; College of Doctoral Studies; College of Education; College of General Studies; College of Health Professions; College of Nursing; and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Vickie Horton, faculty member for the College of General Studies, says it was an honor to be recognized alongside her peers. “My favorite part of the ceremony was meeting some of the folks who have been instrumental in both my career and the institution’s vision that keeps our students and their unique experiences at the forefront of what we foster and celebrate,” she shares. “After twenty years at University of Phoenix, I can safely say this was one of the highlights of my tenure, and I appreciate our leaders’ aim to recognize the efforts of all faculty and help us to continue to develop in our profession.”
This year, there were 14 award recipients:
“Receiving the Faculty of the Year Award from the University of Phoenix is a defining moment in my career,” shares Shawn Matheson, MBA, a two-time award recipient, and faculty in the College of Health Professions. “I have the privilege of equipping and inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders to create positive change in their communities. My legacy as a healthcare leader lives not only through my own work, but through my students—who are empowered to elevate healthcare where it’s needed most. Many of my students come from underserved, inner-city communities. Seeing them transform their lives through education and rise as compassionate, capable leaders is deeply rewarding.”
The award recipients were hosted for a special weekend that included attending and being recognized at an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field ballpark in Phoenix, as well as a day of fun activities that closed with a celebration dinner and awards ceremony.
Irene Blundell, a four-time award recipient and faculty in the College of General Studies attended this year’s festivities. “This award means so much to me because every student means the world to me,” she states. “It is a privilege and a calling to support adults who are working so hard to change their lives. I was an older non-traditional student, so I know what many of them are going through. If I can do it, so can they. What encourages me to keep going is knowing it has a ripple effect as they, in turn, will change the lives of others. This award is not about me; it is about them. Although, I love the way the trophy looks on my desk.”
Learn more here about teaching opportunities at University of Phoenix.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
Contacts
Michele Mitchum
University of Phoenix
michele.mitchum@phoenix.edu
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarifai, a global leader in AI and pioneer of…
XIAMEN, China, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, S&P Global, a leading authoritative data and…
BEIJING, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) was…
BENGALURU, India, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yali Capital, a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment…
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services (TIC), announces three…
Almirall Continues to Deliver on its Long-Term Growth Strategy with Net Sales Growth of 12.7%…
