Penn State Altoona announces 2026-26 faculty and staff award recipients

ALTOONA, Pa. - Penn State Altoona has announced the recipients of the faculty and staff awards for the 2025-26 academic year. Nominated by the college community and selected by an awards committee, several faculty and staff members received awards unique to Penn State Altoona.

Recipients, along with retirees, will be recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, May 7.

Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award

• Lindsey Lilienthal, associate professor of psychology

The Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award recognizes dedication to students, passion and enthusiasm for teaching, innovative teaching methods, and demonstrated, sustained excellence in teaching. The award honors Athleen J. Stere, who offered nearly four decades of distinguished teaching and service to Penn State Altoona.

Outstanding Lecturer Award

• Terry Baker, part-time instructor in management

The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes excellent teaching by Penn State Altoona adjunct faculty members.

Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity

• Chris Martin, associate professor of mechanical engineering

Rather than a career achievement award, the Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creativity Award recognizes distinctive research, scholarship or creative activity of a faculty member in any field or discipline achieved in the recent past, i.e., during the prior two to three years.

Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Mentoring Award

• Yimin Zhu, associate professor of chemistry

The Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Mentoring Award recognizes mentors of undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in the mentoring process, as evidenced by their impact on, and the outcomes of, their mentee's personal and professional development in the discipline.

Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award

• Caristy DePasquale, associate professor of biology
• Melissa Kohler, assistant teaching professor of business

The Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award was created to recognize two faculty members who, by their performance as teachers and their work in the areas of advising, scholarship, research and service, demonstrate excellence in their profession.

Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Awards

• Brent Everhart, manager of classroom and student technology for information technology
• Sherry Hatch, administrative support assistant for athletics
• Timothy Stiner, janitorial work in facilities and operations

The Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Award was created to recognize three members of the Penn State Altoona staff who, by their job performance, exhibit outstanding professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm in support of the college.

Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Awards

• Jennifer Cacciotti, assistant teaching professor of nursing
• Karen Eberhard, nursing simulation lab coordinator

The Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Award was created in 2006 to honor and recognize outstanding achievement by a faculty member and staff member of Penn State Altoona who represent the field of nursing. The award was established by Kimberly M. Kennedy in memory of her mother, Barbara Long Beck, who was a loyal friend and devoted supporter of Penn State Altoona. The award celebrates Beck's commitment to higher education and the nursing profession.

Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Award

• Yaw Agawu-Kakraba, professor of Spanish and African studies

Each year, Penn State Altoona seeks to recognize and honor the distinguished contributions of the faculty through the presentation of the Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Awards.