Wilkes University recently recognized 10 faculty and staff members at the 2026 Teacher Recognition and Effectiveness Committee (TREC) Awards Ceremony.
The event opened with an introduction from Nelson Anaya, TREC co-chair and assistant professor of mechanical and electrical engineering. Anaya encouraged recipients to share a few words when they accepted their awards. “Feel free to thank your mentors, your students, your pets or your morning coffee.”
In his remarks, David Ward, chief operating officer and provost, praised the commitment of the more than 160 full-time faculty members at Wilkes. “They push our students, they work hard and they are dedicated to our students’ success,” says Ward. Speaking to the TREC recipients, he added, “For your achievements to be recognized by your colleagues really has no equal.”
Members of the TREC committee, including Jane Blanken-Webb, co-chair and associate professor of education, Ashrafur Rahman, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Stephanie Wasmanski, associate professor of education, and Lisa Reynolds, associate professor of integrative media, art and design, took turns at the podium to present awards.
This year’s TREC recipients included:
Monique Woodard, assistant professor of integrative media, art and design, received the Outstanding New Faculty Award. The award recognizes a full-time, non-visiting faculty member in their second or third year of full-time teaching at Wilkes who demonstrates excellence in teaching, advising and service.
Melissa Gaydos, assistant professor of undergraduate nursing, received the Alumni Mentoring Award. Selected from nominations made by Wilkes alumni, the award is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in maintaining the University’s mentoring culture with Wilkes graduates.
Shealyn Marino, biology research assistant, received the Academic Support Award. This award is given to a member of the Wilkes staff who facilitates classroom or experiential initiatives and learning among students.
Scott Skammer, part-time faculty in the Sidhu School of Business, received the Adjunct Faculty Award. The award goes to an adjunct faculty instructor who demonstrates excellence in teaching through innovative practices and forming relationships with students.
Megan Youmans, associate professor of chemistry, received the Innovative and Nontraditional Teaching Award. Students nominate faculty for the award that recognizes a teacher who successfully incorporates innovative or nontraditional strategies into at least one class.
Chris Kovatz-Bernat, associate professor of anthropology and Africana studies, received the Multiculturalism Award, given annually to recognize a member of the Wilkes community who demonstrates leadership in the advancement of diversity and multiculturalism ideals in the classroom, the community and study abroad efforts.
Vicki Jones, assistant professor of education, received the Outstanding Advisor Award, given annually to recognize a faculty member who inspires and provides mentorship to students.
Matthew Jennings, assistant professor of biology, received the Outstanding Scholarship Award. Awarded to a member of the faculty or staff who demonstrates commendable success in the area of research and scholarly activity. All past work is considered, but more emphasis is placed on research done within the past five years that influences Wilkes University and its students.
The final presentations of this year’s TREC Awards Ceremony were the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Carpenter Award.
Marianne Rexer, professor of accounting, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes a longtime member of the Wilkes community who has made a positive impact on their colleagues and students during their career at Wilkes.
Rexer reflected on her 36 years at the University. “I’m an accounting professor. Accounting is a service industry. We give service, we do what’s needed. It’s kind of our obligation,” says Rexer. “I had the opportunity to see students grow. They let us influence their lives.”
Prahlad Murthy, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of global engagement, received the Carpenter Award, the University’s highest faculty honor. Established in 1985, the Carpenter Award recognizes an outstanding faculty member for excellence in teaching and student-centered research/projects.
Murthy offered his gratitude for nearly 30 years of service to Wilkes. “I’m truly blessed to have a wonderful family, a great group of friends and many opportunities that have come my way over the years,” says Murthy. “I hope each of you finds the same or even greater opportunities, and that we continue to work together to support our students and take pride in their achievements.”
Before attendees left to continue with finals and grading, Blanken-Webb shared a few words of thanks. “Thank you all for joining us for this year’s TREC Awards ceremony. It has been a pleasure to come together to celebrate the teaching, mentorship and collaboration that make Wilkes such a special place,” says Blanken-Webb. “To our award recipients, congratulations once again. The impact of the work that all of you do has been deeply felt and it is an honor to recognize it.”