College of Social and Behavioral Science Celebrates Faculty and Staff Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony

The College of Social and Behavioral Science hosted its annual Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 10, 2025, recognizing the remarkable achievements of faculty and staff who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching, research, service, mentorship, and staff excellence.

The 2024–2025 award recipients have made a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the broader university community. Their contributions not only reflect the highest standards of academic and professional excellence but also embody the college’s mission to promote knowledge, justice, and societal advancement. In a nod to the individuality and unique contributions each honoree brings to our college, recipients were invited to select their own “walk-out” song to play as they received their award.

“Congratulations to this year’s award recipients,” said Dean Michelle M. Camacho. “Your hard work, passion, and innovation have set a remarkable example within our college. We are honored to recognize your efforts and celebrate the meaningful impact you continue to make.”

View the event gallery

 

2024–2025 Award Recipients

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Superior Teaching Award

• Catherine Ruetschlin, Assistant Professor (Lecturer), Economics
• Walk-out Song: National Anthem by Radiohead
• Hakan Yavuz, Professor, Division of Public Affairs
• Walk-out Song: Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
• Tim Webster, Assistant Professor, Anthropology
• Walk-out Song: Enter Sandman by Metallica

Superior Research Award

• Kim Korinek, Professor, Sociology
• Katherine Baucom, Assistant Professor, Psychology
  • Walk-out Song: Long Story Short by Taylor Swift

Excellence in Mentoring Award

• Shane Macfarlan, Associate Professor, Anthropology
  • Walk-out Song: Ana Tijoux by 1977

Advancing Access & Connecting Communities Award

• Brian Baucom, Associate Professor, Psychology
  • Walk-out Song: Rise by Eddie Vedder
• Feea Leifker, Research Associate Professor, Psychology

 

Staff Excellence Award

• Mishael Garz, Administration Manager, CSBS Dean’s Office
  • Walk-out Song: Work by Rihanna
• Melissa Warner, Administrative Program Coordinator, Division of Public Affairs
  • Walk-out Song: Celebration by Kool and the Gang

Stand Out Staff Award

• Joseph Deviny, Technical Support Analyst, CSBS Computing
  • Frolic (Theme song from Curb Your Enthusiasm)

 

University Awards

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Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize in Teaching

• Heather Melton, Associate Professor, Sociologyand Criminology

Distinguished Professor Award

• Brent Steele, Professor, Political Science
• Bert Uchino, Professor, Psychology

Distinguished Teaching Award

• Shane Macfarlan, Associate Professor, Anthropology
• Thomas Quinn, Associate Professor (Lecturer), Sociology and Criminology

John G. Francis Prize for Undergraduate Mentoring

• Shane Macfarlan, Associate Professor, Anthropology

OUR Faculty Mentor Award

• Katie Baucom, Assistant Professor, Psychology

 Presidential Scholar Award

• Tyler Faith, Associate Professor, Anthropology

Presidential Societal Impact Scholar

• David Wetter, Adjunct Professor, Psychology

Rosenblatt Prize of Excellence

• Cynthia Berg, Distinguished Professor, Psychology

The celebration brought together faculty, staff, and administrators from across the college to honor the honorees' achievements and reflect on the collaborative spirit that drives the college forward. As the college looks toward the future, it remains committed to recognizing and supporting the individuals who help shape its continued success.

For more information about the college and its initiatives, visit csbs.utah.edu.