Staff recognized for excellence at annual awards breakfast
Posted on March 12, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Six staff members were honored during the Whiddon College of Medicine Staff Recognition Awards on Friday, March 6. Hosted by the Dean’s Office, the awards were presented during a special breakfast in the Dean’s Conference Room.
Franklin Trimm, M.D., interim dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and associate dean of health advancement, described the honorees as “the backbone of the college.”
“Our mission is built on education, research and clinical care,” he said. “That mission only moves forward because of the dedication, innovation and heart of our staff.”
The awardees were nominated by colleagues for their excellence in job performance, strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork. Each honoree received an award, two tickets to a Jags baseball game, and a swag bag in recognition of their contributions.
2026 Whiddon COM Staff Recognition Awardees
Amanda Arnold
Education and Training Specialist, Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development
Amanda Arnold is recognized for her tireless dedication and “team-first” mentality.
She has been instrumental in building the College’s faculty development infrastructure,
including programs like Crucial Conversations and the EDGE for Success initiative.
Her nominators praised her ability to balance these high-level contributions with
her own doctoral studies, all while maintaining a selfless willingness to help any
department in need.
Hunter Boyd
Simulation Operations Technologist, Whiddon College of Medicine Simulation Center
Hunter Boyd is celebrated for his technical innovation and unwavering reliability.
He recently developed a new OB trainer to meet specific departmental needs and is
known for going well beyond his job description, often working late or on weekends
to ensure simulation sessions run perfectly. Faculty and learners alike trust him
implicitly to manage the complex technical environments that lead to student success.
Stephanie Ferguson
Post-Award Grant Specialist, Whiddon College of Medicine Research Administration and
Development
Stephanie Ferguson is recognized for her expertise and high-stakes reliability in
research administration. Her nominators shared stories of her “above and beyond” commitment,
such as securing critical, multi-official signatures within an hour to meet urgent
grant deadlines. She is considered an invaluable partner to the research faculty,
known for her integrity, sound judgment, and meticulous attention to detail.
Katherine “Kathy” Harden
Secretary V, Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development
Kathy Harden is the “heart and soul” of the CSAB third floor, known for her exceptional
organizational skills and her role in building a supportive workplace community. In
addition to skillfully managing complex calendars and events, she recently achieved
the significant milestone of completing her bachelor’s degree while working full time.
Her nominators highlighted her gift for making every colleague feel welcome, valued
and included.
Charissa Moore
Evaluation Coordinator, Medical Education
Charissa Moore is described as a “model team member” who ensures the seamless flow
of data critical to maintaining institutional accreditation. She has been a key driver
in improving the assessment and evaluation process for medical students and provides
vital oversight for the seven required clerkships. Her colleagues noted that she never
hesitates to step up and fill gaps to support both students and the broader team.
Rebecca Price
Financial Operations Specialist I, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca Price is described as the “engine” that keeps her departments running. For
over a year, she has remarkably managed the full administrative and financial workload
for two separate departments — Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Pharmacology —
handling the doubled responsibility with grace and a positive attitude. Faculty members
praised her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to navigate complex university
systems with ease.