SEHD
ANNUAL
AWARDS
2026 EDITION
The Awards Ceremony of the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Miami is a momentous occasion dedicated to honoring outstanding achievements and celebrating excellence. It serves as a platform to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and significant contributions of individuals who have excelled in their academic pursuits, research endeavors, and community engagement initiatives.
Through this ceremony, we proudly recognizes the exemplary efforts of students who embody the values of innovation, leadership, and service in advancing education and enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. This event not only highlights the remarkable accomplishments of its honorees but also inspires others to strive for excellence in their own pursuits within the realms of education and human development.
SESSION ONE
School-Wide
AWARDS
This section of the ceremony highlights the highest achievements across the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Miami. From outstanding academic performance to significant contributions to research and scholarship, recipients in this category embody the essence of excellence in education and human development. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in their academic pursuits, setting a standard of excellence for their peers and inspiring future generations of scholars and educators.
Dr. Mickey Witte
Eveleen Lorton Dean’s Teaching Award - Graduate Faculty
Dr. Terilee Wunderman
Eveleen Lorton Dean’s Teaching Award - Undergraduate Faculty
Dr. Luke Hobson
Eveleen Lorton Dean’s Teaching Award - Adjunct Professor
Karissa Coady
Eveleen Lorton Dean’s Teaching Award - Graduate Student Faculty
Leila Israel
Highest Overall GPA (Undergraduate)
Corey Silberglied
Highest Overall GPA (Undergraduate)
Athena Amancio-Alsobrook
Most Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement
SESSION TWO
Educational and Psychological Studies
AWARDS
EPS is dedicated to generating knowledge and preparing leaders, researchers, methodologists, and change agents to improve the well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities. In this section, the award ceremony recognizes outstanding individuals who have advanced the department's mission and vision. Recipients in this category are appreciated for their efforts to advance knowledge and practices that enhance the well-being of individuals, organizations, and communities.
Katerina Gounaris
Award for Scholarship
Jada Garnett
Award for Excellence in Community and Applied Psychological Studies
Kiera Hamilton
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Honors
Avery Gawel
Outstanding Master's Student in Higher Education
Robert Sommer
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology
Joselia Souza
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Higher Education
Mindy E. Aguirre
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Higher Education, Community Leadership
Celia Rubio
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Research, Measurement, and Evaluation
Alexis Franklin
Carolyn S. Garwood Award for Service
SESSION THREE
Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
AWARDS
KIN is dedicated to improving physical and organizational well-being by sharing knowledge in sport sciences and business. In this section, the award ceremony recognizes outstanding people who have followed the department's mission and vision. Recipients in this category are acknowledged for improving physical health, supporting athletic excellence, and encouraging lifelong well-being through creative research, teaching, and community engagement activities.
Corey Silberglied
Award for Scholarship
Lauren Rabbitt
Award for Excellence in Exercise Physiology
Melissa Neglio
Award for Excellence in Sport Administration
Payton Geuke
Outstanding Master's Student in Applied Physiology
Emily Sweet
Outstanding Master's Student in Athletic Training
McKenna Revord
Dr. Harry Mallios Award for Outstanding Master's Student in Sport Administration
Caleb Calaway
Outstanding Doctoral Student in Exercise Physiology
Brandon Schoenwether
Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Exercise Physiology
SESSION FOUR
Teaching and Learning
AWARDS
TAL is dedicated to enhancing learning for all students, training high quality educators, and offering professional learning for educators and practitioners. Also, the department is to prepare future leaders, researchers, and specialists for schools, academics, communities, and beyond. In this section, the award ceremony recognizes outstanding people who have followed the department's mission and vision. Recipients in this category are honored for their love of and service to teaching, and their transformative effect on learners of all levels, in different settings.
Leila Israel
Award for Scholarship
Leila Israel
Excellence in Student Teaching-Fall 2025
Tatiana Paucar
Award for Excellence in Student Teaching-Spring 2026
Nicole Ferretti
Excellence in Student Teaching-Frost School of Music
Katherine Padron
Outstanding Master's Student in Teaching and Learning
Drew Langenfeld, Russell Motley, Sheila Swann
Outstanding APLS Doctoral Capstone Project
Mistoria Brown
Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Teaching and Learning
Mrs. Denise Dammert-Sosa
Partner School/Clinical Teacher Recognition
Contact us
Whether you have questions about nominations, sponsorship opportunities, or general inquiries, our team is committed to providing you with the information and assistance you require. Reach out to us today and be a part of this inspiring celebration of innovation, leadership, and service in education and human development.