Celebrating Staff Excellence and Education

UH Staff recognized for their contributions at the Staff Council Awards and Scholarship Ceremony

Two members of Staff Council leadership standing behind a podium, about to announce the winners of the Staff Council awards.

Members of Staff Council leadership presenting the Staff Council Awards and Scholarship Ceremony.

Members of Staff Council leadership presenting the Staff Council Awards and Scholarship Ceremony.

Group photo of all the winners from the Staff Council Awards

Winners of the Staff Council Awards pose with their awards in their hands.

Winners of the Staff Council Awards pose with their awards in their hands.

Members of the Facilities & Construction Management team posing for a photo

The Facilities & Construction Management team were one of the winners of the Friends of Staff Council Award.

The Facilities & Construction Management team were one of the winners of the Friends of Staff Council Award.

Scholarship recipients recognized at the Staff Council Awards and Scholarship Ceremony

UH staff members were also recognized for their educational pursuits in the form of scholarships.

UH staff members were also recognized for their educational pursuits in the form of scholarships.

University of Houston staff members were once again center stage during the 2024 Staff Council Awards and Scholarship Ceremony.  Several employees were recognized for their steady commitment and incredible contributions to the University’s mission. 
 
Organized by Staff Council, the annual event brought employees together from across UH to celebrate at Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion. Each award season, staff members nominate their peers to honor their hard work and contributions; more than 70 nominations were submitted this year. Staff Council selects awardees based on how they embody diverse aspects of staff excellence such as leadership, innovation, customer service and teamwork.   

“UH is comprised of such talented and dedicated staff,” said Staff Council President Whitney Johnson. “Having the Staff Council Awards is a great way to showcase and celebrate the UH staff community who help strengthen this remarkable university.” 

 This year, an additional aspect of staff excellence was added — the inaugural UH Spirit Award, which celebrates a staff member who consistently upholds and demonstrates UH pride. 
 
“It’s an honor that my peers and University community recognized me for the UH Spirit Award,” said Natasha Saad, communications coordinator in University Marketing and Communications. “I love attending UH events, as well as participating in Cougar Red Friday, so it feels great to be recognized for it!” 

 Saad said that as an employee receiving the UH Spirit Award matters because it reinforces the values and culture of the University. She hopes it will motivate others to get involved on campus. 

Recognizing Academic Endeavors  

Scholarship recipients were also recognized at the event. Each year, Staff Council and the Women and Gender Resource Center award scholarships to UH staff members, as well as their dependents, who are earning their degree at UH.  

This year, $16,000 was distributed in scholarships, which were funded through contributions from the President’s Office and generous donations from UH staff. Each scholarship aims to reduce the financial challenges associated with higher education expenses and empower staff members to actively pursue their aspirations. 
 
"Having this scholarship is uplifting and will allow me to focus on my studies and worry less financially," said Celina Sandoval, manager in the Office of Board of Regents and Staff Council scholarship recipient. "Staff Council is integral to the culture here at UH. Offering scholarships to staff on their higher ed journey is a great example of the work they do to connect with Coogs and be impactful with meaningful support." 
 
Congratulations to all the 2024 Staff Council Award winners and scholarship recipients! See below for a complete listing of this year’s honorees. 

2024 Staff Council Award Winners

Rookie of the Year 
Stephanie Escobar 
Student Success Advocate, Student Services 

Optimism Award 
Erik Johnson 
Administrative Coordinator, Center for Student Advocacy and Community 

High Performance Award 
Guadalupe Ayón 
Business Department Administrator, Hispanic Studies 

Impact Award 
Evan Broadbent 
Emergency Management Specialist, Office of Emergency Management  

Inspiring Leadership Award 
Christa Rieck 
Assistant Vice President, Facilities/Construction Management   

Collaborator Award 
Egina Villalobos-Hernandez 
Research Associate, College of Pharmacy 

UH Spirit Award 
Natasha Saad 
Communications Coordinator, University Marketing and Communications 

Team Excellence Award 
Center for Advocacy and Community
Michael Crook 
Director 
Kevin C. Nguyen 
Director 
Chelsea Martinez 
Director 
Jessica Haney 
Program Manager 
Gracen Jinks 
Program Manager 
Erik Johnson 
Administrative Coordinator 

Friends of Staff Council Award 
Betty Cruz 
Assistant Manager, Technology Services and Support 
Jessica Villasana 
2023 CFI Volunteer 
 Jesse Villasana 
2023 CFI Volunteer  
Facilities & Construction Management 
Faculty Senate 
Office of Human Resources 
University Marketing and Communications 

2023-2024 Staff Council B. Renae Milton Students of Staff Scholarship 
Isabel Issakhan 
Major: Exercise Science  
Parent (UH staff): Genny Lee, Project Manager, Student Services 

Kelly Tran 
Major: Optometry 
Parent (UH staff): Kim-Hue Tran, Director, Finance and Admin  

2023-2024 Staff Council Scholarships 
Julia Brown 
Communications Manager, The Honors College 
Major: Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences  
 
Daniel Chang 
Executive Director, Academic Programs 
Major: Ph.D., College of Education  
 
Katherine Frazier 
Director, Cullen College of Engineering 
Major: M.S., Cullen College of Engineering 
 
Maria Honey 
Director: Student Services 
Major: Ph.D., College of Education 
 
Toria Jones 
Sexual Misconduct Support Services Manager 
Major: M.S.W., Graduate College of Social Work 
 
Stephanie Perez-Gill 
Director, College of Education ACES Institute 
Major: Ph.D., College of Education 
 
Chelsea Martinez 
Assistant Director, Center for Student Advocacy Community 
Major: Ph.D., College of Education 
 
Celina Sandoval 
Manager, Office of Board of Regents 
Major: M.A., College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 
 
Allison Sullivan 
Program Coordinator, Career & Development Alumni 
Major: M.S.W., Graduate College of Social Work 
 
Laura Zavala-Membreno 
Director, Women and Gender Resource Center 
Major: Ph.D., College of Education 

2024-2025 Women Gender Resource Center Scholarships 
Aketra Bowens 
Academic Advisor 2, Economics 
Major: Ph.D., College of Education 
 
Stephanie Eisenbaum 
Program Director 2, GLOBE Program | Adjunct Faculty 
Major: Ph.D., Graduate College of Social Work 
 
Lawrence Nissen 
System Analyst I, Information Technology Availability Center 
Major: M.S., Cullen College of Engineering 
 
Carina Pouraryan 
Development Associate, Medicine and Health Advancement 
Major: M.S., C. T. Bauer College of Business 
 
Amy Reid 
Director of Student Services, Galveston SBDC Bauer College of Business 
Major: B.B.A., C. T. Bauer College of Business