The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Division of Student Affairs recognized outstanding staff, programs and campus partners during its 2026 End-of-Year Awards celebration, highlighting achievements that advanced student support, engagement and success across campus.
Honors included the Andy Marsch Legacy Award, which was presented to Debbie Morgette, assistant director of Student Assistance & Support for her leadership and service to students. Debbie exhibits UAB’s We CARE values in every part of her work, especially through deep collaboration across all areas of basic needs and support. Nominee: Shiobhan Holmes.
Breannah Gilbert, coordinator of Alumni & Student Career Relations in the UAB Career Center was named the New Professional of the Year. In her first year, Breannah has made a significant impact by engaging more than 335 students through high-impact programs that expand career connections, foster belonging, and enhance learning opportunities. Nominee: Caleb May.
The Outstanding Student Affairs Partners Award went to Daniel Jones and the UAB Banner team (Michelle Zaiz, Johnny Jones, and Ala Fedorova). Jones and the Banner team’s work has had a lasting and far-reaching impact on the student experience at UAB. As key contributors to the development and ongoing evolution of the Banner system, they have transformed different and disjointed areas of data into a repository for better service and support of our students.
In the staff recognition categories, Jeremy Hilson, program coordinator II in the Office of Student Engagement, was honored as the Outstanding Star (Support Professional). Jeremy plays a critical role in strengthening Student Engagement’s operations by supporting high-volume organization and event registration processes. Nominees: Stephanie Collins, Nicole Compher and Kate Mosley were also nominated.
Melea Hodge, a quality and information management analyst in Student Health Services, received the Outstanding Star Professional award. Thanks to Melea’s work, more than 75% of office visits are now scheduled online, making the process simpler and more accessible to students. Nominees: Ahkeem Lee, Lynette Myers, Allison Howard, Kaitlyn Freeman and Nakeysha Green received nominations.
Programmatic excellence was also recognized, with “Family Weekend” from Student & Family Engagement team earning Program of the Year honors. Nominees: “How to Be A…” series, Homecoming 2025, Hazing Prevention Week, and the Study Break Podcast.
The Event of the Year Award went to the First Year Run Out, a collaborative effort between Student Housing & Residence Life, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications, and UAB Athletics. The Run Out is a signature engagement experience that welcomes new UAB students into the Blazer community, growing from fewer than 200 participants in 2023 to a record 542 in 2025. Nominees: FNL Fashion Show, Campus Dining’s Spring Fling, the Hill Student Center’s 10th anniversary celebration and the UAB Crawfish Boil featuring the Blazer State Fair.
Student Assistance & Support was named the Department of the Year. This department has demonstrated exceptional commitment to meeting students’ basic needs and ensuring they can fully engage in their UAB experience. Nominees: Student Engagement and Enrichment, Disability Support Services, and Campus Dining were also nominated.
Angela Stowe, director of Student Counseling Services, was recognized as the Outstanding Contributors to Higher Education for her sustained impact and leadership in the UAB Student Counseling Center. Her work has advanced campus-wide mental health access and innovation, including the development of the Collegiate Recovery Program and the implementation of population-level strategies that reduce barriers and support to student success.
The 2025-26 Student Affairs Employees of the Month were also recognized. Read more about the employee of the month winners here.
Long-serving employees were also acknowledged for their dedication. For five years of service the following staff members were recognized: Mica Harrell (Student Health Services), Alexandria Francina Alley (Student Health Services), Shenikka Joseph (Student Health Services), Katherine Traylor (Student Counseling Services), and Joshua Williams (Student Counseling Services). For 10 years of service: John R. Jones, III, Ph.D. (VP – Student Affairs), April Coleman (Student Counseling Services), and Kathleen Pridgen (Student Health Services). Those honored for 15 years of service: Valerie DuBose (Disability Support Services) and Antonio Goodman (Administration & Fiscal Affairs).
Consuelo Click-Copeland (Student Counseling Services) was honored for 20 years of service. Rachel Smith (Student Housing & Dining) and Debbie Morgette (Student Assistance & Support) were honored for 25 years of service.
The annual awards celebrate the dedication and innovation of Student Affairs staff and partners, while reinforcing the division’s commitment to fostering student success and community across campus.