PHOTOS: CHS Honors Faculty, Staff at 2026 Awards Celebration
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
photos by William Hieronymus
The College of Health Sciences (CHS) recognized outstanding faculty and staff members for excellence in research, teaching, service and student support during its annual Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration April 28.
Scott Lephart, PhD and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, opened the ceremony by thanking employees for their dedication and calling the event one of his favorite traditions each year.
“This celebration is always one of my favorite days of the year,” Lephart said. “I love that we get to honor so many amazing people in our College.”
Lephart also praised the collective efforts of faculty and staff throughout the academic year.
“I want to acknowledge all of our wonderful faculty and staff, and say thank you, again, for everything you have done this year,” he said. “This event is for all of you.”
The ceremony recognized achievements across several categories, including research, teaching innovation, faculty service and staff excellence.
Brian Noehren, PT, PhD, FACSM and associate dean for research, presented the college’s Excellence in Research Awards to established scholar Johanna Hoch, PhD, MPH, ATC; early-stage scholar Ryan Hunton, DhSc, PA-C; and Brandi White, PhD, MPH.
Janice Kuperstein, PhD, PT, MSEd, FNAP and Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement & Clinical Engagement, then presented the College’s teaching awards. Ryan McGuire, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS, received the Kingston Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors long-term, consistent excellence in teaching that advances the college’s mission.
According to nominators, McGuire’s impact spans undergraduate instruction, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and postgraduate residency training, with students praising his ability to make complex concepts meaningful and accessible.
The CHS Innovation in Teaching Award was presented to Brendon O’Farrell, PhD, for creative, student-centered instruction focused on empathy, inclusion and engagement.
Nominators cited O’Farrell’s redesign of Global Perspectives in Health Sciences, where he integrated interprofessional panels featuring immigrants, refugees, health professionals and students to deepen learning through lived experience.
Hoch, speaking on behalf of Faculty Council, presented the Excellence in Faculty Service Award to Shelley Irving, MSPAS, PA-C.
“Her service has made, and continues to make, a positive impact to all stakeholders across the department, college, university and patients within the Commonwealth,” Hoch said.
Irving was recognized for leadership on college and departmental committees, service on the UK St. Claire Board of Governors and statewide professional contributions.
Lephart later presented staff and student-focused honors, beginning with the Non-Exempt Staff Excellence Award to Autumn Dearinger.
“Autumn is dependable, innovative, kind and deeply committed to the success of her colleagues and her department,” Lephart said. “Her impact is felt in the efficiency of daily operations, in the improved systems she builds, and in the relationships she nurtures every day.”
The Exempt Staff Excellence Award went to Tammy Jo Edge, who was recognized for helping launch a new Doctor of Audiology program, increasing undergraduate recruitment and supporting the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders through a period of transition.
“She is not just a staff member — she is the heart of the program and a true partner in its success,” Lephart said.
Rebecca Serrano, advising director in CHS Academic and Student Affairs, received the CHS Student Impact Award for her leadership in undergraduate advising and commitment to student success.
Lephart praised Serrano’s compassion and professionalism, saying she has an exceptional ability to help students overcome challenges and achieve more than they imagined.
The ceremony concluded with recognition of employees celebrating service milestones.
2026 College of Health Sciences Faculty and Staff Award Winners
Excellence in Research Awards
- Established Scholar: Johanna Hoch, PhD, MPH, ATC
- Early-Stage Scholar: Ryan Hunton, DhSc, PA-C
- Research Award: Brandi White, PhD, MPH
Teaching Awards
- Kingston Award for Excellence in Teaching: Ryan McGuire, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS
- CHS Innovation in Teaching Award: Brendon O’Farrell, PhD
Faculty Award
- Excellence in Faculty Service Award: Shelley Irving, MSPAS, PA-C
Staff Awards
- Non-Exempt Staff Excellence Award: Autumn Dearinger
- Exempt Staff Excellence Award: Tammy Jo Edge
Student-Focused Award
- CHS Student Impact Award: Rebecca Serrano
2025 Years of Service Honorees
5 Years
- Kimberly J. Rice, Physician Assistant staff support associate
10 Years
- Tammy Jo Edge, Communication Sciences and Disorders program coordinator
- Barret L. May, information technology manager
20 Years
- Marie W. Poole, financial analyst
