GSE faculty honored at UB’s Celebration of Faculty and Staff Academic Excellence

The event showcased the breadth of scholarly contributions, mentorship and leadership that drive the university’s mission, recognizing individuals whose work has made a lasting impact in their fields and the broader academic community. Awards were presented across multiple categories, from prestigious national honors to university-level achievements.

“This event showcases the spirit of excellence and collaboration that defines UB. We are proud to see so many from the Graduate School of Education honored for their important contributions,” said Suzanne Rosenblith, GSE dean and professor.

Amanda B. Nickerson, professor in the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology and director of UB’s Alberti Center for Bullying and Abuse Prevention, was named a SUNY Distinguished Professor. Nickerson’s research focuses on preventing school crises and addressing interpersonal violence, including bullying and abuse. With over $8 million in external funding, Nickerson’s work continues to promote mental health and safety in diverse educational settings.

Several GSE faculty members were honored with university-level awards, recognizing their commitment to research, mentorship and leadership within their fields. 

Nickerson received the UB Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award for her outstanding guidance of students from coursework to career placement.

Stephen Santa-Ramirez, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, and John Z. Strong, assistant professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction, were named recipients of the UB Exceptional Scholars: Young Investigator Award, celebrating their recent achievements in their respective fields and distinguishing them as rising scholars.

In recognition of sustained, groundbreaking scholarship, GSE Professor Jaekyung Lee was honored with the UB Exceptional Scholars: Sustained Achievement Award. Lee, whose research spans both the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology and the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, received this award in recognition of his accomplishments and research that have gone beyond the norm in a particular field of study. 

GSE faculty also received recognition beyond UB, reflecting the impact of their work on a broader stage, which was highlighted at the event. 

Tasha Austin, assistant professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction, earned a Spencer Foundation Small Research Grant and a Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Academy of Education. Austin was also awarded the Stephen A. Freeman Award for Best Published Article by the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Megan M. Iantosco, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, was named an Outstanding Reviewer by the American Educational Research Association. 

Melinda Lemke, associate professor from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, received the Paula Silver Case “Outstanding Article Award” from the University Council for Educational Administration.  

Tim Monreal, assistant professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction, secured a Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Academy of Education.

The Celebration of Faculty and Staff Academic Excellence underscores UB and GSE’s commitment to fostering a community of distinguished scholars and educators. 

“The achievements of our faculty reflect the dedication and innovation that drive our mission, inspiring the next generation of educators and researchers to reach new heights,” said Rosenblith.