A key highlight of President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.’s inaugural Forward-Focusedevent was the introduction of a new tradition, the Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Award. This new annual award celebration spotlights the unwavering dedication, exceptional achievements, and innovative spirit that propel Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University forward.
Annual Celebration
This year, Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University recognized three outstanding Monarchs, a student, a faculty member, and a staff member, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community. The honorees were selected through a peer- and campus-driven nomination process, thereby highlighting individuals who embody the true spirit of a Monarch champion. Each recipient met the established criteria, including professional service, collaboration, and the cultivation of a culture of excellence at our University. Each recipient was awarded a $10,000 prize in recognition of their personal achievement.
Student Recipient
Our first award honored a student who truly exemplifies what it means to be a Monarch. Our honoree has invested more than 500 volunteer hours to bridge gaps in healthcare education and create connections among our medical community. This honoree led an organization called MESH, which stands for Medical Educators of Sexual Health, focused on providing comprehensive sexual education and life skills through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. When the integration of Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University and Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) was announced, this individual spearheaded an innovative event where students gathered on the medical campus to engage in a jeopardy-style game designed around important health topics. This event not only provided valuable information, but also fostered relationships by opening doors for students to mentor and guide their fellow students through the medical school application process.
The inaugural student Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Award went to Megan Bianchetta. Megan is a second-year medical student with a passion for pediatrics and an anticipated graduation date of 2027. She was selected for the 2025 cohort of Trainees for Child Injury Prevention (T4CIP). This is a national advocacy program, and Megan was the only candidate from Virginia chosen for this prestigious honor. Her ability to blend academic excellence, compassion, and leadership makes her a standout member of our community. The Monarch Nation expresses its congratulations to Megan on her well-deserved recognition!
Faculty Recipient
Our faculty honoree’s impact on Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University extends far beyond the classroom and far beyond the honoree’s impressive list of achievements and awards. Our honoree is described by peers and students as one of the University’s most innovative and dedicated scholars, educators, and mentors by embodying a spirit of academic excellence and true collaboration. In fact, this honoree maintains an open, standing offer to students to co-author peer-reviewed articles and collections and always insists that the student be listed as the primary author, while the faculty member takes a secondary role.
The inaugural faculty Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Award went to Marc Ouellette, Ph.D., who serves as an Associate Professor of English in the College of Arts and Letters. Students describe Dr. Ouellette as empowering and humbling. He serves as both a faculty mediator and a member of the Faculty Senate, but his true legacy lies in supporting and encouraging students to become valued members of the University community through their own scholarship and service. His work has made Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University stronger, more competitive, and a place where students thrive. Congratulations to Dr. Ouellette from your fellow Monarchs, who are grateful for your exemplary and tireless service!
Staff Recipient
Our third and final award went to a staff member whose behind-the-scenes efforts have revolutionized the University’s technological capabilities and related landscape. This honoree’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing the University’s cloud environment and AI strategies by clearly setting a new standard for digital innovation. This individual is also the founder of several successful technology ventures, which brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective to our community. With a proactive approach and forward-thinking mindset, this individual has positioned Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University as a trailblazer in digital education in order to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The inaugural staff Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Award went to Karthik Navuluri, who serves as the Assistant Vice President for Technology Solutions. Karthik’s work has been instrumental in transforming the University’s e-learning platforms, enhancing academic technologies, and strengthening research support systems to ensure that our institution not only keeps pace with technological change, but leads the way. His background in innovation and entrepreneurship has equipped him to build highly complex, scalable systems. He routinely collaborates with teams in academic affairs, enrollment management, strategic marketing, and research to ensure technology solutions align with institutional priorities, thereby leaving a profound impact on every corner of our University. On behalf of the University, Monarch students, faculty, and staff share their congratulations with Karthik for his innovative approaches and lasting contributions!
These three outstanding Monarchs have boldly and proudly made Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University a stronger, more vibrant, and engaging community. We look forward to seeing what is to come next for them, and we look forward to honoring additional Monarchs at future Forward-FocusedÌý±ð±¹±ð²Ô³Ù²õ!