UMSOP Celebrates Service and Inclusive Excellence at Annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony
Honoring dedication, fostering belonging, and celebrating the impact of inclusive leadership across the School.
By Pam Carder
October 21, 2025
Pictured: Chanel Whittaker, Tuan Huynh, Sarah L.J. Michel, Ester Villalonga Olives, and Daniel Deredge. View the full album on Flickr.
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) community gathered on Oct. 16 to celebrate the dedication and contributions of its faculty and staff at the annual Years of Service Awards ceremony.
Employees were recognized for reaching milestones in five-year increments in 2024, from five to 40 years of service to the School.
“The years of service we are celebrating today are far more than numbers. They represent a depth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom that each of you brings to the School of Pharmacy,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “The expertise that you possess, built up over the years, is irreplaceable.”
Michel also noted the culture and community the honorees have helped build: “You have made this community what it is today – one that is not only strong but also resilient in the face of challenges, collaborative in pursuit of solutions, and compassionate in service to each other and those we serve.”
Shannon Tucker, PhD, MS, CPHIMS, who celebrated 25 years of service, reflected on her experience at UMSOP.
“Being part of the School of Pharmacy for 25 years has been an honor,” said Tucker, who is assistant dean of instructional design and technology in the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs. “The culture here is one of shared purpose, where ideas are welcomed, people are respected, and the mission of advancing education and health care is felt in everything we do. It’s a place where I’ve always felt supported and inspired to contribute, and that sense of belonging is something truly special.”
Inaugural LEADer in Inclusive Excellence Awards
The ceremony also featured the inaugural presentation of the LEADer in Inclusive Excellence Awards, a new recognition established by UMSOP’s Office of Institutional Excellence and Engagement in collaboration with its Inclusive Excellence Council. These awards celebrate faculty and staff who exemplify inclusive excellence across the School’s strategic focus areas.
“This award is a collective achievement,” said Chanel Whittaker, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, associate dean for institutional excellence and engagement and professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR). “It reflects the work of more than 200 members of our School community who helped develop the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan, and now, these awards.”
Three honorees received LEADer in Inclusive Excellence Awards in distinct categories:
- Kristina San Juan, MBA, director of student services, received the Individual Impact Award, honoring her dedication to enhancing holistic student success and fostering a thriving culture. “Kristina goes beyond traditional responsibilities to ensure that every student feels supported academically, professionally, and personally,” said Whittaker. “She creates an environment of empathy, patience, and professionalism where everyone is valued.”
- Tuan Huynh, PharmD, AAHIVP, HIVPCP, assistant director of the experiential learning program (ELP), was awarded the Programmatic Impact Award for his work in advancing institutional excellence and student success through initiatives such as career mentoring programs and curriculum innovation. “Tuan’s leadership reflects empathy, initiative, and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment,” said Whittaker.
- Jill Morgan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, FNAP, professor and chair of P-SHOR, received the School-wide Impact Award for her sustained, transformational leadership. “Dr. Morgan leads with empathy and collaboration,” said Whittaker. “She inspires a culture where diversity is not only valued but actively leveraged to enhance learning and institutional impact. Her mentorship, clinical leadership, and inclusive practices are a blueprint for lasting change.”
The LEADer in Inclusive Excellence Awards align with the School’s LEAD strategic priorities: Leveraging community, Enhancing holistic student success, Advancing institutional excellence, and Driving a thriving culture.
The ceremony concluded with a shared sense of pride and momentum, as the UMSOP community recognized both the enduring contributions of long-serving employees and the growing impact of inclusive excellence across the School.
Michel concluded, “The years ahead hold great promise, and it is because of dedicated individuals like you that I am confident in our collective ability to continue making a positive impact on our students, the pharmacy and health sciences professions, and society.”
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