Alumni and Donors

ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

The School of Health and Human Sciences recognizes outstanding alumni annually with schoolwide awards and departmental Pacesetter awards.

Alumni Awards-2024

Pacesetter Awards

These awards honor outstanding alumni in the School who have attained local, state or regional recognition through their achievements in scholarship, leadership or service, during their career or through civic involvement.

  • Communication Sciences and Disorders: Robert Maxwell ’05 M.A. 

    Communication Sciences and Disorders: Robert Maxwell ’05 M.A. 

    Robert (Bobby) Maxwell is an experienced speech-language pathologist and clinical director for “Powerback Rehabilitation,” which offers individualized outpatient programs for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.  

  • Community and Therapeutic Recreation: Dr. Lindsey Oakes ‘12 MS

    Community and Therapeutic Recreation: Dr. Lindsey Oakes ‘12 MS

    Dr. Lindsey Oakes is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Recreational Therapy program in the Department of Recreation Sciences at East Carolina University. Dr. Oakes earned two degrees from UNCG: a Master’s of Science from Community and Therapeutic Recreation with a Therapeutic Recreation concentration and a Ph.D. in Public Health Education. Dr. Oakes has many…

  • Genetic Counseling: Becca Loman ’14, M.S.

    Genetic Counseling: Becca Loman ’14, M.S.

    Rebecca Loman is currently the Program Director of the M.S. Genetic Counseling training program at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D. As only the second director in the program’s history, Ms. Loman rose to this leadership position after working as a clinical genetic counselor and assistant program director for seven years.

  • Human Development and Family Studies: Dr. Jinni Su ’11, ’15 Ph.D.

    Human Development and Family Studies: Dr. Jinni Su ’11, ’15 Ph.D.

    Dr. Jinni Su received her bachelor’s degree in Economics at Beijing Normal University in China, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Human Development and Family Studies at UNCG.   In expanding her doctoral training, Dr. Su completed a post-doctoral fellowship in psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, researching the area of Environment, Development and Genetics (EDGE).

  • Kinesiology: Elizabeth Daniels ’05 MSAT

    Kinesiology: Elizabeth Daniels ’05 MSAT

    For the past 15 years Ellie Daniels has been working in non-traditional and emergent settings for Athletic Training, both domestically and internationally.

  • Nutrition: Shelby Rodriguez ’17 B.S.

    Nutrition: Shelby Rodriguez ’17 B.S.

    Shelby Rodriguez is an esteemed professional in nutrition and public health, holding a B.S. in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from UNCG and a Master of Public Health, specializing in Maternal and Child Health.

  • Peace and Conflict Studies: Maria Perdomo ’18 M.A.

    Peace and Conflict Studies: Maria Perdomo ’18 M.A.

    María Perdomo Ardila is a 2018 graduate with a dual master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies and Politics and Public Administration, with a focus on International Human Rights Advocacy and Post Conflict Peacebuilding.

  • Public Health Education: Alexis Steptoe ’17 M.P.H.

    Public Health Education: Alexis Steptoe ’17 M.P.H.

    As a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Master of Public Health program in Community Health Education, Ms. Alexis Steptoe has demonstrated exemplary achievement and dedication to her profession. Ms. Steptoe is the Assistant Director of Wellness at N.C. State University Wellness and Recreation.

  • Social Work: Alexia Mitchell ’09 M.S.W.

    Social Work: Alexia Mitchell ’09 M.S.W.

    Ms. Alexia Mitchell graduated from the Joint Master’s in Social Work program in 2009 and has been a dedicated servant leader ever since. She has worked in various human services and social work agencies, including in leadership roles, setting the standard for social work ethics and client advocacy. 

Alumni Awards 2023

In 2023, eight individuals were recognized in a ceremony on Oct. 19 at the Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNC Greensboro.

Pacesetter 2023

Alumni Awards 2022

Alumni Awards 2021

Alumni Awards 2020

  • David Parrish (BS ’00)

    David Parrish (BS ’00)


  • Dr. Abdul Wahab (MA ’10)

    Dr. Abdul Wahab (MA ’10)


  • Dr. Celia Hooper (MA ’74) – Lifetime Legacy Award

    Dr. Celia Hooper (MA ’74) – Lifetime Legacy Award


  • Dr. D. Travis Thomas (PhD ‘09)

    Dr. D. Travis Thomas (PhD ‘09)


  • Dr. Karen Gaudreault (MS ’00)

    Dr. Karen Gaudreault (MS ’00)


  • Dr. Robert Christina – Public Service Award

    Dr. Robert Christina – Public Service Award


  • Dr. Sharon Ghazarian (PhD ‘08)

    Dr. Sharon Ghazarian (PhD ‘08)


  • Dr. Yu-Kai Chang (PhD ’08) – Distinguished Alumni Award

    Dr. Yu-Kai Chang (PhD ’08) – Distinguished Alumni Award


  • Laura Kelly (MS ’10) – Emerging Leader Award

    Laura Kelly (MS ’10) – Emerging Leader Award


  • Quintana Stewart (’01)

    Quintana Stewart (’01)


  • Rachael Wonderlin (MS ’13)

    Rachael Wonderlin (MS ’13)


  • Ryan Noss (MS ’12)

    Ryan Noss (MS ’12)


  • Sarah Keizer (MA ’08)

    Sarah Keizer (MA ’08)


Alumni Awardees 2019

The School of Health and Human Sciences is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Alumni awards! These awards include the Distinguished Alumni, Lifetime Legacy, Public Service, Emerging Leader, and Pacesetter awards.

Friends, family, and faculty gathered for the HHS Alumni Awards Luncheon in EUC Cone Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 to celebrate and honor the many accomplishments of HHS alumni. The group enjoyed fellowship and delicious food provided by UNCG Catering.

After lunch, everyone was invited to enjoy sweet treats and live music at the HHS Alumni Dessert Social.

HHS wrapped up the day at the Homecoming Block Party on the EUC lawn. Despite chilly temperatures, the crowd was in good spirits. Students enjoyed some time taking photos, dancing, and chatting with faculty, staff, and alumni.

  • Alexis Carere (MS ’09)

    Alexis Carere (MS ’09)


  • Dr. Beverly Warren (’70) – Lifetime Legacy Award

    Dr. Beverly Warren (’70) – Lifetime Legacy Award


  • Dr. Cody Sanders (’12 MS, PhD ’15) – Emerging Leader Award

    Dr. Cody Sanders (’12 MS, PhD ’15) – Emerging Leader Award


  • Dr. Kymm Ballard (EdD ’08) – Public Service Award

    Dr. Kymm Ballard (EdD ’08) – Public Service Award


  • Dr. Nina Smith (PhD ’12)

    Dr. Nina Smith (PhD ’12)


  • Dr. Saber Ghiassi (MPH ’00) – Distinguished Alumni Award

    Dr. Saber Ghiassi (MPH ’00) – Distinguished Alumni Award


  • Dr. Shannon Frymark (MA ’94)

    Dr. Shannon Frymark (MA ’94)


  • Dr. Stephany Coakley (PhD ’06)

    Dr. Stephany Coakley (PhD ’06)


  • Kelli Davidson (MS ’14)

    Kelli Davidson (MS ’14)


  • Leah Friend (‘03)

    Leah Friend (‘03)


  • Sarah Langdon (MPH ‘09)

    Sarah Langdon (MPH ‘09)


  • Sofia Mosquera-Rodriguez (MA ‘18)

    Sofia Mosquera-Rodriguez (MA ‘18)


  • Zackary Brooks (‘93)

    Zackary Brooks (‘93)


Alumni Awards 2018

The School of Health and Human Sciences honored 13 alumni at the 2018-2019 Alumni Awards Luncheon held October 13, 2018. Congratulations to all, and thank you to our wonderful HHS Alumni Association Board for their help organizing the event.

Alumni Awards 2016

The School of Health and Human Sciences presented the recipients of Alumni awards for 2016-2017 on April 8, 2017! Many thanks to our wonderful HHS Alumni Association and especially to the Awards Sub-committee (Kathi Lester, Lindsey Sanders, and Joe Dzugan) for their hard work.

Alumni Awards 2015

Alumni Awards 2014

Alumni Awards 2013

Alumni Awards 2012

  • Amie Teague, MA (’01)

    Amie Teague, MA (’01)


  • Brittan Williams Wood, BS (’03), MPH (’05)

    Brittan Williams Wood, BS (’03), MPH (’05)


  • Dawn Oakey Gartman, MS (’06)

    Dawn Oakey Gartman, MS (’06)


  • Distinguished Alumni Awardee: Gary L. Bowen, Ph.D., ACSW

    Distinguished Alumni Awardee: Gary L. Bowen, Ph.D., ACSW


  • Edmund O. Acevedo, PhD (’89)

    Edmund O. Acevedo, PhD (’89)


  • Edward M. Williams, MS (’03)

    Edward M. Williams, MS (’03)


  • Emerging Leader Awardee: Oluwatoyosi “Toyosi” A. Adekeye, MBBS, MPH, CPH

    Emerging Leader Awardee: Oluwatoyosi “Toyosi” A. Adekeye, MBBS, MPH, CPH


  • Franklin J. Ard, MA (’12)

    Franklin J. Ard, MA (’12)


  • Jeannie C. Sykes, PhD (’86)

    Jeannie C. Sykes, PhD (’86)


  • Jenise Horton-Lowe Davis, BSW (’84)

    Jenise Horton-Lowe Davis, BSW (’84)


  • Lifetime Legacy Awardee: Nancy J. Adams, M.S., CGC

    Lifetime Legacy Awardee: Nancy J. Adams, M.S., CGC


  • Public Service Awardee: Pelagie Quenum, MPH

    Public Service Awardee: Pelagie Quenum, MPH


  • S. Yvette Murphy-Erby, PhD (’04)

    S. Yvette Murphy-Erby, PhD (’04)


  • Tracy L. Pegram, BS (’94) MS (’02)

    Tracy L. Pegram, BS (’94) MS (’02)


Alumni Awards 2011