Awards recognize faculty excellence in teaching, research and service
CHARLESTON, IL (11/10/2026) Eastern Illinois University has named its recipients of the 2025-26 Achievement and Contribution Awards (ACAs), recognizing faculty members for excellence in teaching, research, service and contributions across multiple areas of their professional responsibilities.
The awards are presented annually to selected faculty members in four categories: Teaching, Research, Service and Balanced (combined contributions in all three areas). Recipients are recognized for their professional achievements and the distinction they bring to the University through their work.
“Eastern’s Achievement and Contribution Awards recognize the dedication and accomplishments of faculty members who make a lasting impact on our University,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “Their commitment to teaching, research and service strengthens the educational experience for our students and contributes to the success of the broader EIU community.”
EIU’s 2025-26 recipients are listed below by academic department or area:
Biological Sciences
- Elizabeth Peterson – Research
- Robert Colombo – Research
- Maryam Rahmati Ishka – Research
Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Gopal Periyannan – Balanced
Counseling and Higher Education
- Heidi Larson – Teaching
Economics
- Assande’ Desire Adom – Research
Geosciences
- David Viertel – Service
Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation
- Andrew Kerins – Balanced
- Hasan Mavi – Service
Library Services
- Kirstin Duffin – Service
- Amy Odwarka – Balanced
Political Science and Philosophy
- Jin Hong Kim – Balanced
Psychology
- Ayaka Hisanaga-Probst – Teaching
- Margaret Floress – Research
- Jeff Stowell – Balanced
- Jian Zhu – Research
School of Art + Design
- Jenny Chi – Balanced
- Samantha Tableriou – Service
School of Business
- Lisa Brooks – Service
School of Communication, Journalism and Theatre
- Anna Kochigina – Teaching
- Alyssa Obradovich – Balanced
School of English and World Languages
- Melissa Caldwell – Balanced
School of Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics
- Andrew Parrish – Service
School of Nursing
- Jacy Ghast – Teaching
Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology
- Wade Smith – Service
- Hyeri Choi – Balanced
Special Education
- Jennifer Buchter – Service
Service Recipients are selected by fellow faculty members who serve on the Achievement and Contribution Awards Committee. Faculty members receiving the awards are recognized for demonstrating excellence in their professional achievements and bringing distinction to the University through their range of accomplishments.
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EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.