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Late spring and early summer are packed with celebrations as departments, student groups, and the whole Augsburg community come together to lift up the incredible Auggies in each year’s graduating class. In between student events, faculty and staff also gather to cheer on their colleagues at the end of each academic year. These festive gatherings in Hoversten Chapel recognize individuals who made an outsize impact over the past year through outstanding teaching, innovation, commitment, and professional achievements. 

2025-26 Faculty Awards

Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor

Seven faculty members were recognized for their achievement in receiving tenure and promotion to associate professor, effective Fall 2026.

• Mallory Alekna, music education
• Nimanthi Atukorala, computer science and data science
• Jacob Enger, business administration
• Abby Hughes-Scalise, clinical psychology
• Kao Nou Moua, social work
• Iva Patel, religion and philosophy
• Shayna Sheinfeld, religion and philosophy

Promotion to Full Professor

Four individuals were recognized for their promotions to full professor effective Fall 2026, in recognition of their exemplary practice and mastery in teaching, scholarship, and leadership.

• Matthew Beckman, biology
• Katie Clark, nursing
• Ben Denkinger, psychology
• Christopher Houltberg, visual art and design

Augsburg Day Student Government Excellence in Teaching Award

Nancy Fischer, sociology and urban studies

Faculty Innovation Award

Department of Nursing

Excellence in Teaching Award (Adjunct Faculty)

Erin Maurelli, visual art and design 

Early Career Teaching Award  

Alex Fink, social work

Excellence in Teaching Award (Full-Time Faculty)

Jennifer Bankers-Fulbright, biology

Distinguished Service to the Community Award

Amy Nelson, nursing

Excellence in Service to the University Award

Michelle Ullery, nursing

2025-26 Staff Awards

Department of the Year

Residence Life

Outstanding Newcomer

Zinnia Coy: Program Manager for Food Initiatives

Outstanding Staff

• Diane Syler, assistant director of student accounts
• Julie Frozlan Ferralez, director of academic advising
• Minasie Theophilos, custodian
• Marcus Carrigan: program associate, Strommen Center for Meaningful Work and Center for Global Education and Experience
• Ellie Olson, director of wellness and counseling

Congratulations to all the 2025–26 award recipients!