Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
The baby直播 presented four prestigious awards to members of its faculty and staff during the annual Spring Employee Recognition Ceremony April 28 at Bell Conference Center. The 2026 Loraine McIlwain Bell Trustee Awards and the Nellie Rose McCrory Service Excellence Award recognized distinguished employees for their outstanding contributions.
The McIlwain Bell Awards are presented annually in three categories鈥攕upport staff, professional staff, and faculty, each including a framed certificate and a $1,000 check. The awards were presented by Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones, UWA, who introduced each honoree using remarks from their nominating colleagues.
Candidates for the awards are nominated by members of the University community, and winners in each category are selected by a committee of peers.
Loraine McIlwain Bell Support Staff Excellence Award
Lee Walker, office administrator for the Physical Plant department, received the 2026 Support Staff Excellence Award. A 20-year University employee, Walker is highly regarded by his colleagues as someone who consistently goes out of his way to support others and ensure the smooth operation of Moon Hall.
Jones noted that Walker鈥檚 nomination described him as someone who would 鈥渏ump on a lawnmower if needed to help out wherever he can.鈥� He also works closely with departments across campus to accommodate their needs.
Loraine McIlwain Bell Professional Staff Excellence Award
Wes Mosley, director of business solutions in the Office of Information Technology, received the 2026 McIlwain Bell Professional Staff Excellence Award. His nominating peer wrote that over his 26-year career at UWA, Mosley has served on numerous committees, consistently prioritizing the university鈥檚 best interests in every decision. He plays an essential role across multiple departments, particularly through his expertise with the Colleague system, which supports virtually every administrative operation at UWA. One nomination letter highlighted his 鈥渞emarkable ability to steer projects back on track when they falter.鈥�
Loraine McIlwain Bell Trustee Professor Award
Dr. Veronica Triplett, chairperson and associate professor in the College of Business鈥檚 department of Business Administration, Management, and Marketing, and the director of the Center for Business Entrepreneurial Services, received the 2026 McIlwain Bell Trustee Professor Award.
Her nomination letters note that Triplett exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in teaching and service.聽 Since she joined UWA鈥檚 faculty in May 2007, Triplett鈥檚 students have frequently commended her accessibility, her ability to make complex material understandable and relevant, and her strong leadership as department chair, particularly in advising and mentoring of students.聽
Another nomination described her teaching as engaging and transformative, fostering an inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and intellectual growth.
鈥淲hat distinguishes Dr. Triplett,鈥� one letter noted, 鈥渋s not simply the number of roles she holds, but the consistency and intentionality with which she carries them. Many serve, but she leads with purpose.鈥�
Nellie Rose McCrory Service Excellence Award
Dr. Rhonda Gonzalez, associate professor in the College of Nursing, received the 2026 Nellie Rose McCrory Service Excellence Award. With more than18 years of nursing practice and over 12 years in nursing education, Gonzalez has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving healthcare education, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing quality of life across the region, according to her nomination.
鈥淗er leadership extends to educational and emergency preparedness initiatives, including organizing and participating in large-scale community disaster drills and providing clinical training for healthcare professionals. Her service also includes work as a board member and as PTA president, reflecting her commitment to strengthening education communities.鈥�
About the Awards
The Loraine McIlwain Bell Trustee Awards were established in 1996 through an endowment by the late Mrs. Bell鈥檚 daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Cunningham. The Bell Conference Center is also named in honor of Mrs. Bell and her husband.
The McCrory Service Excellence Award is made possible by an endowment from the late Miss McCrory, who earned the B.S. in English and M.Ed. in Secondary Education from UWA and a doctorate from the University of baby直播.
