University of Phoenix Names 11 Faculty Award Recipients
University of Phoenix Faculty of the Year Awards recognized 11 instructors for teaching, student support and academic leadership in 2026.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
University of Phoenix has named 11 recipients of its 2026 Faculty of the Year Awards. The honorees were recognized Sept. 19 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix during the university’s 50th anniversary year. The university’s practitioner faculty average 29 years of professional experience and 16 years of university teaching experience.
Faculty Award Recipients
The recipients represent colleges across the university: Gina Coffaro, Karen Diggs, Patrick LaRose, Kimberly Mahr, Nita Magee, Scott McCalla, Valerie Merriwether, Brett Novick, Debra Sandberg, Melissa Warren and Mel Waterhouse.
Novick is a faculty member in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Brett Novick, EdD, Faculty Member at University of Phoenix, said:
“I am both honored and humbled to receive the Faculty of the Year award, especially following in the footsteps of so many wonderful and deserving educators at the university. My goal is to always provide the quality our students and community have come to expect from University of Phoenix. I learn so much from our students; they inspire me to be a lifelong learner and recognize the true definition of balance and resilience. It is a unique privilege to guide the next generation of mental health providers and work together to advance our field for a society in great need of competent practitioners.”
Experience In The Classroom
University of Phoenix said its practitioner faculty combine industry knowledge with teaching experience to help students connect academic concepts with workplace application. The university said this model supports its work with adult learners balancing education and professional goals.
John Woods, PhD, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Phoenix, said:
“As we celebrate this milestone year, it is especially meaningful to recognize faculty who exemplify the impact dedicated educators can have on students' lives. Through their guidance, professional expertise, care for students and commitment to teaching, these faculty members create meaningful learning experiences that help students pursue their educational and career aspirations.”
Support For Students
The annual awards recognize faculty whose expertise, mentorship and commitment support learners’ academic and professional goals. Waterhouse, a faculty member in the College of General Studies, was among the recipients.
Mel Waterhouse, Faculty Member at University of Phoenix, said:
“With this award, the value of what we do here at the University of Phoenix came into sharp focus. It is an honor to work with such intelligent, caring professors, all united by the goal of helping a unique student population pursue its aspirations. With this trophy on my desk, I am even more excited to log in, and watch miracles happen.”
