Faculty and staff honored during award ceremony 

The College of Community Health Sciences hosted its 2nd  Annual Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards March 30. The award ceremony recognized employees for their hard work, excellence and dedication to CCHS and its University Medical Center and University of Alabama Student Health Center and Pharmacy.  

Awards: 

Distinguished Innovation Award 

Recognizes excellence in innovation in research, quality improvement, or College operations 

Faculty: Dr. Maryam Bidgoli, assistant professor in the Department of Community Medicine and Population Health 

Staff: Allyson Cooper, director of the College’s Business Office 

Distinguished Teaching Award 

Recognizes excellence in teaching, mentorship, and curricular innovation 

Faculty: Dr. Meenakshi Arora, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences 

Staff: Dr. Kingsley Nwaobasi, second-year resident in The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, operated by the CCHS 

Distinguished Patient Award 

Recognizes excellence in patient care, clinical operations, and patient experience 

Faculty: Dr. Sachin Shenoy, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Staff: Sally Blakney, nursing supervisor at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa 

Distinguished Professionalism Award 

Recognizes excellence in exemplifying teamwork, integrity, ethical conduct, and respect for all 

Faculty: Dr. Russ Guin, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine 

Staff: Mandi Mitchell, medical receptionist supervisor at the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy 

Distinguished Service Award 

Recognizes excellence in going above and beyond to serve the College, University and/or the broader community 

Faculty: Dr. Ray Stewart, clinical associate professor in the Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine 

Staff: Emily Davis, program coordinator in the Department of Translational Science and Medicine