The University of Phoenix recently celebrated its annual Faculty of the Year Award recipients during a ceremony held on May 17 at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. This award is part of the university’s Faculty Rewards & Recognition Program, where students, employees, and faculty nominate UOPX faculty members for their contributions.
John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at the University of Phoenix, emphasized the importance of these awards. “At University of Phoenix, our faculty are more than educators,” he said. “This award is not just a recognition of teaching excellence; it underscores the vital role our faculty play in guiding, supporting, and inspiring students.”
The award acknowledges faculty across seven colleges within the university: 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 from the College of General Studies expressed her gratitude for being recognized. “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,” she said.
This year’s awards saw 14 recipients. Shawn Matheson from the College of Health Professions described receiving this accolade as a significant career milestone. “Receiving the Faculty of the Year Award from the University of Phoenix is a defining moment in my career,” he shared.
The award ceremony included attending an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field ballpark and concluded with a celebration dinner. Irene Blundell, a four-time recipient from the College of General Studies, attended this year’s event. She stated that “this award means so much to me because every student means the world to me.”
