CEAT faculty and staff honored at two university award celebrations

Friday, December 12, 2025

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University recognized outstanding faculty and staff achievements during two major events this week: the annual University Awards Convocation on Dec. 9, 2025, and the Staff Advisory Council Distinguished Service Awards banquet on Dec. 11, 2025. Members of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology were prominently represented at both ceremonies.

University Awards Convocation

Provost Jeanette Mendez and Senior Vice Provost Chris Francisco honored faculty, staff and administrators from across the university during the 2025 University Awards Convocation, held in the Student Union Ballroom. Recipients were celebrated across 19 award categories, each nominated by colleagues and supervisors.

“This annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the outstanding achievements of so many of OSU’s faculty and staff,” Dr. Mendez said. “And, while this ceremony is something we do every year, I continue to be amazed at the dedication and innovative spirit of the OSU family.”

CEAT award recipients included:

President’s Fellows Research Award

Supports tenured faculty within five years of tenure by providing up to $20,000 for innovative research projects.

• Dr. Yu Feng, Associate Professor, School of Chemical Engineering

Regents Distinguished Research Award

Recognizes significant achievements in research; includes a $2,000 permanent stipend.

• Dr. Weihua Sheng, Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Global Education Faculty Excellence Award

Honors faculty who integrate global perspectives into teaching, research and outreach; includes a $1,000 stipend.

• Dr. Seung Ra, Professor, School of Architecture

Newly Appointed Chair and Professorship Holders

Medallions were presented to CEAT faculty recently appointed to endowed positions:

• Dr. Jindal Shah, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Chair in Chemical Engineering
• Dr. Nathan Richardson, Centennial Professorship in Architecture and Architectural Engineering
• Dr. Weihua Sheng, Earl and Carolyn Glimp Professorship for Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Dr. Rasim Guldiken, John Brammer Endowed Professorship in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Dr. John Veenstra, Van Weathers Endowed Chair in Competitive Leadership
• Dr. Joshua Li, Williams Companies Professorship in Civil Engineering
• Dr. Teiming Liu, Wilson Bentley Professorship in Industrial Engineering and Management

Advising Excellence Award

Recognizes outstanding academic advising.

• Rachel Todhunter, Academic Advisor, Student Academic Services

Newly Appointed Regents Professors

A prestigious honorary title awarded for exceptional contributions in teaching, research and outreach.

• Dr. Weili Zhang, Regents Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Distinguished Early Career Faculty Award

Includes a $2,000 stipend and honors faculty within three years of tenure who demonstrate strong potential for continued impact.

• Dr. Imraan Faruque, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

A full list of honorees is available online.

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Staff Advisory Council Distinguished Service Awards

The Staff Advisory Council hosted its annual Distinguished Service Awards banquet, recognizing employees who go above and beyond in their roles. The awards highlight staff members who exemplify dedication, professionalism and a strong commitment to OSU’s mission. Ten employees are selected each year.

CEAT was well represented, with two staff members recognized as finalists or semifinalists:

• Dakota Keith, Coordinator of Academic Programs, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering — Semi-finalist
• Erin Potts, Administrative Associate, School of Architecture — Finalist

In addition, two CEAT staff members were awarded SAC Scholarships, created to support OSU staff pursuing higher education:

• Michelle Brice, Coordinator of Administration Operations, CEAT
• Jennifer Lane, Sponsored Program Specialist II, CEAT Research

"The accomplishments of our faculty and staff reflect the heart of CEAT,” said Dr. Hanchen Huang, CEAT dean. “Their dedication to teaching, research and service not only advances their disciplines, but also strengthens our college and the university as a whole. We are incredibly proud of each individual recognized and grateful for the impact they make every day on our students and the OSU community.”