UW College of Health Sciences Recognizes Award-Winning Faculty and Staff

The University of Wyoming's College of Health Sciences recently recognized faculty and staff excellence in categories including service, teaching and career achievement at its annual 2026 faculty/staff awards ceremony.

To select awardees, a committee of peers in the college conducts a thorough review, with final approval from the dean of the college.

Some of those recognized also serve in their community as healthcare providers and work alongside students from different disciplines in the health sciences, training these students as future healthcare professionals.

At the ceremony, Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences, Eric Moody, associate dean of research, and Derek Smith, senior associate dean and interim associate dean of student affairs, reviewed the college's achievements. Smith then invited each award recipient to the podium, noting the college's appreciation of their dedication and accomplishments.

"Our faculty and staff are the foundation of the College of Health Sciences' success and mission," Hardigan says. "These award recipients exemplify excellence in teaching, research, service and patient care while also preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for Wyoming and beyond. Their dedication to our students, our communities and their professions reflects the very best of the University of Wyoming, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions."

Recipients of this year's College of Health Sciences Faculty/Staff awards are:

-- Outstanding Staff Award: Gwen Cotterman, senior student advising coordinator, Division of Kinesiology and Health.

-- Career Achievement Award: Esther Gilman-Kehrer, clinical associate professor, Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing.

-- Mentor Award: Neely Mahapatra, professor, Division of Social Work.

-- Patient Care Award: Hannah Young, assistant clinical professor, Division of Communication Disorders.

-- Research Award: Nora Gulick, assistant professor, Division of Communication Disorders.

-- Service Award; Ellie Jessup, senior project coordinator, Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program.

-- Teaching Award: Cameron Walker, professor, anatomy lab director, Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program.