CAS Announces 2025–26 Achievement Award Winners

Western Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025-2026 Arts and Sciences Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards. Recipients were honored during a ceremony on April 9 in Dunbar Hall.

The awards aim to acknowledge the exemplary work of individuals who have made significant contributions to students' academic and professional growth, the college and the University. The awards recognize the recipients' outstanding work in teaching, research, scholarship and creative activities.

"We are honored to recognize the exceptional achievements of these individuals,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Their passion, hard work, and commitment to our students and our mission make a profound difference every day. Because of their efforts, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Western Michigan University, continue to thrive.” 

2025-26 CAS Faculty and Staff Achievement Award winners

Faculty Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching 

Dr. Rodrigo Aranda, Department of Economics

Faculty Achievement Award Research & Creative Activity

Dr. Cindy Linn, Department of Biological Sciences

Dr. Jesse Smith, Department of Sociology

Excellence in Promoting Student Success

Catherine Gonzalez, CAS Undergraduate Advising

Dr. Ángela Pérez‑Villa, Department of History

Gender Scholar Award

Dr. Evan Kutzler, Department of History

Staff Excellence Award

Amber Hutson, Department of Psychology

Dean’s Appreciation Awards

Christine Hummel, School of Public Affairs & Administration

Dr. Taormina Lepore, Mallinson Institute for Science Education

Cindy Hetrick, CAS Business Office

For additional information and to view the entire list of award recipients, visit: College of Arts and Sciences Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards online.

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