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