College Park, MD – The Fearlessly Forward Staff Awards Committee and University Human Resources, on behalf of the University of Maryland, are proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Fearlessly Forward Awards, celebrating 25 staff members who have made outstanding contributions to the university’s mission and community.
The Fearlessly Forward Awards, which include the MVP Impact Award and the Terrapin Innovation Award, recognize recipients who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
In a video shared with the award recipients, University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines said, “These individuals embody the spirit, dedication, and vision that make our university such a wonderful place to work, and reflect our commitment to collaboration and progress. I want to thank you for continuing to relentlessly push the boundaries of what is possible and set new standards, while fostering an environment that gives everyone a chance to succeed.”
Over 260 nominations were received, highlighting the outstanding contributions of individuals across the university. The efforts of these awardees not only strengthen the university but also embody the spirit of progress and excellence that drives the institution forward.
The Fearlessly Forward Awards recognize staff members in two distinct categories, each reflecting key values of the university’s mission:
The MVP Impact Award: This award honors staff who, over the past year, have demonstrated a Fearlessly Forward attitude through excellence, amazing service, and outstanding contributions. MVP Impact Award recipients have made a significant positive impact on their teams and the university by embodying the core values of the institution. They have contributed behind-the-scenes work that supports operations, programs, or projects, and their dedication helps everything run smoothly for everyone else. These staff members build strong communities within their departments and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their colleagues and the university’s success.
The Terrapin Innovation Award: This award recognizes staff who have introduced new ideas—whether fully implemented or still in the concept stage—that capture the spirit of moving Fearlessly Forward. The recipients of this award have demonstrated innovative and creative thinking that benefits their unit, department, or the university. Examples of their contributions include providing creative solutions to problems or workplace challenges, suggesting new ways to improve services or programs, and promoting productivity to enhance the workplace.
At the heart of the University of Maryland’s mission is a commitment to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and the Fearlessly Forward Awards honor those staff members who exemplify this vision through their work and actions.
The MVP Impact Award Recipients are:
Lauren Bacon –Communications Program Manager, A. James Clark School of Engineering MATRIX Lab
Bill Brandwein – Operations Manager & Facilities Manager, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Allison Dickinson – Program Director, Communications, Belonging & Community
Jahaira Dixon – Program Management Specialist, College of Computer, Math & Natural Sciences, MD TT Staff
Susan-Ellis Dougherty – Director, International Student & Scholar Services, Maryland Global
Nicole Garcia Diaz – Assistant Director for Restorative Practices & Community Engagement, Department of Resident Life
Adrienne Hamcke Wicker – Director, Center for Leadership & Organizational Change
Cameron Hostetler – Specialist, DIT Enterprise Resource Planning Services
Joanne Leffson-Bryant – Director of Administrative Services, Department of Psychology
Lindsay Meyers – Senior Director, Office of Special Events
Louisa Nkrumah – Learning Experience Designer, Teaching and Learning Transformation Center
Joann Prosser – Director of Assessment, Division of Student Affairs
Michael Robinson – Coordinator for Recruitment, Undergraduate Recruitment and Scholarship Programs
Victoria Shay – Program Director of Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program, Robert H. Smith School of Business
Pathe Sow – English Coordinator, Academic Achievement Programs
Larry Tumlin – Manager, Dining Services
Karlena Walker – Resident Director, Department of Resident Life
Simone Warrick-Bell – Graduate Academic Counselor, The Graduate School
The Terrapin Innovation Award Recipients are:
Dr. Obioma Akaigwe – Assistant Director, R.H. Smith School of Business
Valencia Brown – Performance and Program Development Manager, University Human Resources
Kimberly Rice DeGross –Assistant Dean, Office of Career Services, Robert H. Smith School of Business
Amber Kohl – Curator of Literature & Rare Books/Research Engagement Coordinator, University Libraries
Athony Martinez-Felix – Student Supervisor, Division of Student Affairs
Andrea Phimphanh – Benefits and Retirement Specialist, University Human Resources
Jenny Sak – Program Manager, Career Education and Exposure, University Career Center
President Darryl J. Pines, Provost Jennifer King Rice, and other university leadership recognized award recipients at a February 17, 2026, ceremony. Nominations for the Fearlessly Forward Awards will open again in Fall 2026. To learn more about the awards, please visit the UHR website.