Honoring Faculty Impact and Leadership: 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards | Palo Alto University

On Friday, June 13, Palo Alto University gathered at the Mountain View Campus to honor the outstanding contributions of its faculty during the fourth annual Faculty Distinction Awards, a signature Celebration Week event. The evening recognized achievements in teaching, research, service, promotion, tenure, and years of dedication to PAU’s mission.

As PAU approaches its 50th anniversary, this year’s celebration was especially meaningful. Hosted by Dr. SJ Washington, the program opened with warm remarks from President Maureen O’Connor, followed by a series of heartfelt recognitions spotlighting the exceptional faculty who continue to shape PAU’s legacy.

Years of Service Awards

PAU proudly honored faculty for their lasting commitment and service:

• 1 Year: Daniel Levy, Jorge Lopez, Kayleigh Watters, Regina Moro, Susan Branco, Tameeka Hunter
   
• 3 Years: Rachel Jacoby
   
• 5 Years: Liz McConnell, Janice Kuo, Kimberly Hill
   
• 7 Years: Darlene Chen, Kelly Coker
   
• 10 Years: Wendy Wade
   
• 15 Years: Christopher Weaver
   

Promotion & Tenure

Milestones in academic advancement were celebrated for:

• Dr. Margaret Lamar, promoted to Full Professor for her national leadership and scholarship in maternal mental health and counselor education.
   
• Dr. Sandra Trafalis, promoted to Full Professor for nearly two decades of exemplary teaching and mentoring.
   
• Dr. Karen Roller, granted tenure for her culturally affirming, bilingual scholarship and leadership in developing PAU’s bilingual programming.
   
• Dr. Shreya Vaishnav, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure for her work in inclusive pedagogy and impactful scholarship in multicultural counseling.
   

Faculty Senate Awards

Peer-nominated and deeply meaningful, the Faculty Senate Awards recognized excellence across core academic pillars:

• Excellence in Teaching & Mentorship: Dr. Alisha Guthery
   
• Excellence in Service: Dr. Mikael Rubin
   
• Excellence in Research: Dr. Susan Branco
   
• Outstanding Contingent Faculty: Dr. Stephen Black
   

Pillar Pioneer Awards

These recognitions honored faculty for their innovation in alignment with PAU’s strategic goals:

• Dr. Mikael Rubin for his NIMH-funded research advancing digital interventions for social anxiety.
   
• Dr. Donna Sheperis for her visionary leadership of the PAU eClinic and training excellence in digital mental health.
   
• Dr. Eduardo Bunge for his development of PAT, an AI-powered tool advancing accessible behavioral health for families.
   

Inclusive Excellence Award

In its inaugural year, the Faculty Inclusive Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Joyce Chu for her transformative work in culturally responsive suicide prevention and commitment to community mental health.

A Fond Farewell

The evening closed with a heartfelt tribute to President Maureen O’Connor in honor of her upcoming retirement. Faculty presented a signed memento and gathered for a group photo to thank her for her leadership, accessibility, and unwavering support.