Ye, Gades Receive Frostburg State University President’s Distinguished Faculty Award

Ye, Gades Receive Frostburg State University President's Distinguished Faculty Award

Jun 2, 2026 3:30 PM

Dr. Lei (Lilly) Ye, professor of marketing, and Dr. Naomi Gades, assistant professor of communication and literature, are the 2026 recipients of Frostburg State University's President's Distinguished Faculty Award. The award honors faculty members whose exceptional service advances the university's mission, strategic priorities and commitment to student success.

"Dr. Ye and Dr. Gades embody the very best of Frostburg State University through their dedication to teaching, service and the success of our students," said Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD, interim president of Frostburg State University. "Their work strengthens the academic foundation of this institution and exemplifies the meaningful impact faculty have on our campus and beyond."

Since joining FSU in 2021, Dr. Gades has taught freshman writing and college composition while playing a key role in university assessment and academic improvement initiatives. Her service includes leadership on the Academic Program Review Performance Task Force, a university group which evaluates academic programs and their alignment with FSU's mission.

Dr. Gades earned her Ph.D. in English from Loyola University Chicago, where her scholarship on modernist American poetry and science earned national recognition, including the 2018 Fathman Young Scholars Award from the T.S. Eliot Society. Her background also includes extensive experience in literacy education and community-based learning.

Dr. Ye is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership, deep commitment to students and service that aligns closely with FSU's strategic goals. She has made a lasting impact through her work on university committees, her support of innovation and academic excellence and her mentorship of students and colleagues.

As longtime advisor to FSU's American Marketing Association chapter, Dr. Ye has helped build one of the university's most active student organizations, providing leadership development, professional networking and hands-on learning opportunities. Her leadership also extends nationally through her involvement with the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators, enhancing FSU's visibility and professional partnerships.

Dr. Ye has also played an instrumental role in sustaining the HUTB economy program and advancing international partnerships, including collaborations with HBUE in China, while supporting interdisciplinary initiatives that contribute to FSU's long-term growth.

"As dean, I have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Ye for many years, and she is among the most impactful faculty members at Frostburg State University," said Sudhir Singh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business, Engineering, Computing and Analytics. "Her commitment to students, scholarly leadership, and role in strengthening the FSU-HUTB partnership are truly exemplary."