Spring 2025

Congratulations to the Spring 2025 Pure Gold Award Recipients!

January 2025

RESEARCH: Stephanie Jones

Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health

"Dr. Stephanie Jones is an interdisciplinary researcher. She focuses on the genetic epidemiology of substance abuse and regularly partners with Baylor faculty from computer science and engineering, statistics, and psychology and neuroscience. Dr. Jones also enriches the central Texas research environment by providing epidemiologic and research expertise to the Warriors Research Institute, thereby supporting the health of veterans and first responders." —Kelly Ylitalo

TEACHING: Stephanie Fuqua

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"I enthusiastically nominate Stephanie Fuqua for the Pure Gold teaching award. Stephanie excels at building connections between student clinicians and children using augmentative communication devices. Her expertise in technology, combined with an innovative and flexible approach, ensures successful collaboration. Through patience and creativity, she fosters trust, encourages each student, and supports their journey to empower clients, promoting meaningful communication and success." —Carrie Drew

SERVICE: Cheryl Wade

Assistant to the Associate Deans, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences

"What a true asset Cheryl Wade is to those she serves in Robbins College. Cheryl is a quiet servant. She uses her experience, knowledge, organization, and attention to detail to successfully equip others, while never seeking to receive recognition for the countless jobs she completes. Whether it is scheduling meetings, maintaining databases, or proofreading documents, Cheryl completes it all with excellence. Cheryl Wade’s unassuming service to others makes her a worthy recipient of an Robbins College Pure Gold award." —Nadine Welch

CULTURE: Kristen Davis

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Kristen is a passionate advocate for diversity in speech-language pathology, making her ideal for the Pure Gold Culture Award. Through conference presentations, she shares books and materials for working with underrepresented populations. Serving on a national ambassador committee, she ensures practitioner voices are heard on critical issues. Kristen’s commitment to inclusivity and equity enriches the field, making her deserving of this recognition." —Carrie Drew

February 2025

RESEARCH: Joon Y. Park

Associate Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

"Dr. Park brings a strong research program in human health and performance to Baylor, enhancing the departmental and University research profiles. His research has been supported by numerous NIH R01 mechanisms and various professional organizations such as the American Heart Association. Under his supervision, many Baylor undergraduate and graduate students are strongly trained, generating multiple publications and national level presentations. He continuously seeks major external funding." —Yang-Soo Yoon

TEACHING: Donna Powell

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Donna has devoted over 25 years to preparing hundreds of students for careers in speech-language pathology. She is known for her compassion, competence, and teamwork, and though humble and never one to seek recognition, her steady and wise guidance has shaped countless future professionals. Donna’s dedication to teaching and her caring approach make her truly deserving of the Pure Gold Teaching Award." —Carrie Drew

SERVICE: Angie Morin

Assistant Director of Student Support, Department of Occupational Therapy

"Angie demonstrates outstanding leadership and teamwork in our department. She has embraced her new role as Assistant Director of Student Support with humility, flexibility, and responsiveness. She consistently goes above and beyond to serve students and colleagues with kindness, grace, and patience. During a challenging transition, she ensured all needs were not just met but exceeded. Her unwavering support, positive spirit, and dedication uplift our team and exemplify exceptional leadership." —Kayla Collins

CULTURE: Brett Caldwell

Student Support Program Manager, Department of Physical Therapy

"Brett is an amazing contributor to the caring culture of our department. He exudes an inner joy and a genuine concern for others that uplifts the nature of every interaction. When helping me at recruiting events, Brett makes a special effort to get to know every guest personally. He maintains relationships with students beyond the recruitment stage, throughout the program, and after graduation. He is a golden example of Baylor hospitality and a humble example of Christ-like love." —Amanda Singh

March 2025

RESEARCH: Jessica Feda

Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Student Affairs, Department of Physical Therapy

"Jess Feda is Pure Gold as a teaching-centered faculty implementing clinically oriented research. Through thoughtful collaborations, she garnered a 2-year American Physical Therapy Association grant to validate prior work on respondents to cervical spine manipulative treatment. She's included numerous department faculty and engaged several clinics across the United States to partner is this monumental undertaking. Through all this, she remains equally effective in her teaching and service duties." —Brian Young

TEACHING: Ricardo Altahif

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy

"For his dedication to teaching excellence and student-centered innovation, I strongly recommend Dr. Ricardo Altahif for this recognition. His work developing an electronic medical record for simulated fieldwork, recently accepted in the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, enhances student learning and ensures their clinical preparedness. His commitment to bridging technology and education ensures students gain real-world skills, making a lasting impact on their professional development." —Marian Gillard

SERVICE: JJ Wisniewski

Graduate Enrollment Coordinator, Office of the Dean

"JJ has consistently demonstrated excellence in service through her unwavering commitment to student success. Her deep understanding of the CSD program allows her to provide tailored guidance, ensuring that students are well-informed and supported throughout the enrollment process. JJ's timely follow-up and proactive approach exemplify her strong work ethic, as she consistently goes above and beyond to assist students in achieving admission into our program." —Emily Jarvis

CULTURE: Lori McNamara

Director of Administrative Affairs, Department of Occupational Therapy

"I enthusiastically nominate Lori for this award. She consistently creates an inclusive, supportive culture at Baylor, sharing her extensive knowledge and ensuring everyone feels prepared and valued. Lori is a positive role model, demonstrating a commitment to excellence. She embodies Baylor's mission. She actively empowers us all to deliver impactful, high-quality work to produce the best results possible." —Leslie Goodwin

April 2025

RESEARCH: Brittany Perrine

Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Dr. Perrine, newly promoted to Associate Professor, is a leading researcher to the field of voice. She has demonstrated a strong ability to attract and manage research through both internal and external grants. Her recent NIH R15 submission received an outstanding score, indicating the likelihood of funding. This year, she published several peer-reviewed articles, co-hosted World Voice Day at Baylor University, and presented her work nationwide." —Michaela Ritter

TEACHING: Janet Sanker

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

"My colleague, Janet Sanker, demonstrates excellence in teaching through compassionate supervision, thoughtful feedback, and intentional scaffolding of clinical learning. She models clinical reasoning through think-alouds, fosters critical thinking, and gradually shifts responsibility to students, empowering them to grow into confident, reflective clinicians. Her teaching inspires transformation through care, creativity, and mentorship." —Stephanie Fuqua

SERVICE: Lucas Shelton

Student Support Program Manager, Department of Physical Therapy

"Lucas Shelton is an invaluable member of the Physical Therapy program. Though often working quietly, his dedication and initiative shine through. Always ready to help, Lucas offers fresh perspectives that simplify and enhance processes. His approachability, responsiveness, and genuine connection with students make them feel valued. With his positivity, strong work ethic, and sense of humor, Lucas is a joy to work with and a true asset to the team." —Cassie Godfrey

CULTURE: Kimberly Smith

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

"Dr. Smith is a dedicated and innovative leader in the HSS program, known for her commitment to student growth and the program’s mission. She creates impactful learning experiences—from hands-on suture seminars to global health study abroad programs—and designed a new elective focused on service and leadership in healthcare. Through mentorship, professional development support, and collaboration with the Career Center, she empowers students to thrive academically and professionally." —Nadine Welch