Celebrating Excellence: UCF Announces 2025 Founders’ Day Awards for Outstanding Faculty

On Wednesday, the University of Central Florida (UCF) celebrated its faculty at the 2025 Founders’ Day Faculty Honors Celebration. This event, held in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union, recognized over 240 faculty members for their contributions to education and the community.

The highlight of the evening was the Pegasus Professor Award, UCF’s most prestigious award for faculty excellence. This year, the honored recipients included Roger Azevedo, Fevzi Okumus, and Yan Solihin, all from the College of Engineering and Computer Science or Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Other notable awards included the Reach for the Stars Award, given to Amrita Ghosh, Leland Nordin, Yogesh Rawat, and Kelly Stevens, and the Medal of Societal Impact Award, which went to Mohamed Abdel-Aty. Manoj Chopra, a professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, received the Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award.

The event also marked Michael D. Johnson’s retirement announcement, UCF’s provost since 2020, after 35 years of service in various roles.

The evening recognized not just excellence in teaching and research, but also long-standing commitment. Faculty members who reached significant milestones in service were honored, showcasing UCF’s deep appreciation for dedication and experience.

In recent years, UCF has increasingly emphasized faculty support in teaching and research. A 2023 survey highlighted that 87% of faculty believe that recognition motivates them to stay engaged. This data underscores the importance of such celebrations in fostering a positive educational environment.

Celebrating achievements and dedication, UCF showcased its commitment to academic excellence. Events like these remind us of the vital role educators play in shaping the future. More details about UCF’s faculty honors can be found at their official site here.

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