KU Spotlight on Faculty Excellence honorees announced for the 2026-27 year
LAWRENCE — This academic year, the KU Spotlight on Faculty Excellence program will celebrate 12 University of Kansas faculty and their contributions in research, scholarship and creative activity. Each honoree will be recognized during an upcoming KU Athletics event.
“The Spotlight on Faculty Excellence events bring academics and athletics together in celebration of KU's outstanding faculty and their contributions,” said Amy Mendenhall, vice provost for faculty affairs. “We enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with KU Athletics, KU Medical Center, the Office of Research and academic units to make this program a success.”
Honorees are selected from nominations submitted by school and center leaders at the Lawrence, Edwards and medical center campuses. A selection committee utilizes a scoring rubric that includes research, scholarship or creative impact; societal or community impact; commitment to mentorship; institutional contribution; and innovation and leadership.
2026-27 Spotlight honorees:
- Mazhar Arikan, associate professor of business, Lawrence
- Dan Gailey, professor of music, Lawrence
- Devin Koestler, professor of biostatistics and data science, KU Medical Center
- Marilee McBoyle, clinical professor emeritus of surgery, KU Medical Center
- Kristi Neufeld, professor of molecular biosciences, Lawrence
- Lauren Ptomey, associate professor of physical activity and weight management, KU Medical Center
- Brenda Salley, associate professor of pediatrics, KU Medical Center
- Jeremy Shellhorn, professor of architecture & design, Lawrence
- Deb Sullivan, professor of dietetics and nutrition, KU Medical Center
- Elaina Sutley, associate professor of civil, environmental & architectural engineering, Lawrence
- Michael Wang, professor of pharmaceutical chemistry, Lawrence
- Ning Wang, associate professor of cell biology and physiology, KU Medical Center.
Plans for upcoming spotlight events are being finalized and will be shared via the Spotlight on Faculty Excellence webpage. Each honoree will be celebrated at a KU volleyball, men’s basketball or women’s basketball game. For questions about the Spotlight on Faculty Excellence program, please contact Robin Lehman at rlehman@ku.edu.