College of Health
COH STAFF APPRECIATION AWARDS
The staff appreciation awards celebrate our staff who showcase exceptional performance
and commitment to UAA College of Health (COH) programs throughout the academic year.
All COH staff in active positions during the award period are eligible (regular, term,
temporary, part-time, full-time).
Award Types
- Excellence in Teamwork Award: Recognizes an employee who collaborates in an outstanding way to achieve excellence.
- Shining Star Award: Recognizes an impactful employee who consistently performs above and beyond expectations.
- Resilience Award: Recognizes an optimistic employee who demonstrates excellence in adapting to change.
- Rising Star Award: Recognizes an employee with five or fewer years of experience in their field whose
accomplishments distinguish them as an emerging leader.
2024 Award Recipients
"[Junland Navarro] has consistently been willing to step up and take on responsibilities
not typically in his role, as he understands the need to provide high quality service
to our students. Jun is an efficient communicator, and frequently greets everyone
with a smile and kind service."
"In the four months that I have been employed by UAA, [Katie Walker] has assisted
me with onboarding, BB development, gradebooks, computer technology, learning outcomes,
syllabus development, and adjusting to life in academics. Katie is literally the jack
of all trades. She makes people feel valued, seen, and heard."
"So very impressive is Jenifer's persistence in the face of obstacles, and her resourcefulness...Her
involvement in finding a technological solution for capturing the many nuances of
accreditation requirements is seen as a model by the accreditation body, the Accreditation
Council on Human Services Education."
"Ms. Leigh reaches out to faculty, students, and peers in proactive ways involving
them in major projects tapping into their strengths. She works at the highest level
of performance and follows through on assignments providing regular updates and information
about the status of projects."
"Es demonstrated excellence in critical thinking to resolve the multiple challenges
of this expense report and engaged in positive communication... Throughout the process,
Es was very responsive and helpful!"
"I think of him [Esmatullah] when challenges and change comes my way because he faces
life with humor and humility. He is an inspiration."
"Emma has consistently demonstrated initiative and sought out opportunities for increased
responsibility since her date of hire. Emma served as building manager for PSB for
academic year 23-24 and handled things in an efficient, professional way while maintaining
timely communications."
"[Emma's] deep commitment to learning about and advancing Alaska Native knowledge,
language and culture is reflected in her efforts as co-chair of the COH Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion committee."
