UCSD - University of California - San Diego

02/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/24/2026 17:14

Student Centeredness Award Honorees Recognized for Redefining Student Life

Published Date

February 24, 2026

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Honoring UC San Diego's commitment to advance student success, the annual Student Centeredness Awardsrecognized Tritons committed to building an inclusive environment through groundbreaking initiatives and programs.

Co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life, Associated Student Body and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, this recognition celebrates community members who embody the university's student-centered mission.

UC San Diego Assistant Director of Student Affairs Case Management Services Ti'Shaun "Tee" Allen, who presented the fall 2025 awards on October 28, 2025, said that by putting all students first, inviting and respecting their voices and existing strengths and honoring the intersectional identities of our Triton community, "we hold ourselves accountable to transformative action that ensures equity, inclusion and success across all aspects of the student experience," she shares.

Representing different areas of the campus, here are three of the honorees.

Vice Chancellor Alysson Satterlund and Associated Student President William Simpson accept the award on behalf of Emily Clem. (Photo by Tobin Caldwell, UC San Diego)

Promoting Inclusivity for Student Voices

Assistant Professor of Linguistics Emily Clem's passion for inclusive and supportive learning environments led her to develop innovative solutions in her field.

As a Changemaker Faculty Fellow, Clem launched the Anti-Racist and Inclusive Linguistics Pedagogy website, which provides resources for teaching language and linguistics in anti-racist, inclusive and equitable ways. She also co-led an aligned learning community.

In addition, Clem created the Program for Undergraduate Research in Linguistics, opening doors for undergraduates to engage in research while providing valuable mentorship for graduate students and faculty.

Her equity-focused reforms have transformed how students learn and built lasting systems of support.

(from left to right) Vice Chancellor Alysson Satterlund; Lucinda Miranda, Psy.D.; and Executive Director Student Health and Well-Being Edward Junkins, M.D., M.P.H (Photo by Tobin Caldwell, UC San Diego)

Reshaping Student Mental Health Care

To Eighth College Psychologist Lucinda Miranda, Psy.D., supporting students means caring for them in all stages, including their most vulnerable.

Her innovative leadership led to Triton Lighthouse: Immersive Care, a groundbreaking initiative that provides holistic, trauma-informed support for students navigating mental health challenges.

The six-week program focuses on early intervention and prevention, meeting students' diverse needs through individual therapy, skills-based groups, case management, psychiatric evaluation and behavioral activation. Through collaborations with campus partners and evidence-based practices, Triton Lighthouse shifts mental health care on campus from crisis intervention to a welcoming resource for all students.

Miranda's leadership in this effort demonstrates the university's culture of care that meets students' needs.

(from left to right) Vice Chancellor Alysson Satterlund; Associate Dean for Student Affairs of Skaggs Candis Morello, Pharm.D.; and Vice Chancellor of Advancement Ann Spira (Photo by Tobin Caldwell, UC San Diego)

Expanding the Scope of Student Care

For nearly 15 years, Candis Morello, Pharm.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs of Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has been a steady source of guidance and advocacy in Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

As Skaggs' associate dean for Student Affairs, her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success have fostered a culture where students thrive because they feel seen, supported and empowered to define their futures. Morello has introduced innovative programs that expand holistic support and access to mental health services and elevate student voices in program decisions.

From wellness initiatives to career development, her advocacy has led to outstanding results. Under her leadership, residency match rates have climbed by 25% and student satisfaction has remained consistently strong. Morello has built a culture of care, equity and excellence that empowers the next generation of health care leaders and creates a community where students know well-being is central to their success.

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on February 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 24, 2026 at 23:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]