This award is given annually to honor a chair/director who epitomizes the highest levels of excellence in pursuit of the unit’s mission and strategic goals. Winners are announced at the annual Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony in the spring. The award is administered by the Office of Faculty Affairs.
2026 Recipient
Chris Cochran
Professor and Chair, Department of Healthcare Administration and Policy
School of Public Health
Cochran is recognized for more than 15 years of sustained, strategic leadership that has transformed his department into a high-performing and nationally recognized academic unit. Under his direction, the department has expanded its academic offerings to meet workforce needs, including the development of multiple degree and certificate programs and the launch of online pathways that have broadened access to UNLV education.
His leadership has also strengthened the department’s academic quality and reputation through successful accreditation efforts, including achieving and maintaining national accreditation for the Master of Healthcare Administration program. During his tenure, faculty ranks have grown significantly, enrollment has increased, and partnerships with healthcare organizations across Nevada have expanded, creating valuable opportunities for students.
Known for his collegial and collaborative leadership style, Cochran fosters a supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students while advancing innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. His work has positioned the department as a leader in healthcare administration education and a vital contributor to workforce development in the region.
Past Recipients
| Year | Recipient | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Kevin Stoker | Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies |
| 2024 | Joseph Morgan | Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education |
| 2023 | Rajiv Kishore | Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) |
| 2022 | Sajjad Ahmad | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction |
| 2021 | Zhijian Wu | Department of Mathematical Sciences |
| 2020 | Chris Kearney | Department of Psychology |
| 2019 | Robert Futrell | Department of Sociology |
| 2018 | Barbara Roth | Department of Anthropology |
| 2017 | Merrill Landers | Department of Physical Therapy |
| 2016 | Paulette Tandy | Department of Accounting |
| 2015 | Joel Lieberman | Department of Criminal Justice |
| 2014 | Gillian Galbraith | Department of Biomedical Studies |
| 2013 | John Tuman | Department of Political Science |