2025 Dr. W. Jeff Wallis Faculty of Distinction Award Honorees Announced
Congratulations to our 2025 Dr. W. Jeff Wallis Faculty of Distinction Award honorees!
This annual recognition program recognizes outstanding faculty for their exceptional commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and professional integrity.
Selected by their peers, this year’s Faculty of Distinction are:
- Professor Velda Burgess, School of Allied Health Professions
- Professor George Chin, School of Criminal and Social Justice
- Dr. Patricia Edwards, General Education
- Professor Joshlyn Foreman, School of Criminal and Social Justice
- Dr. Elena Mashalova, School of Allied Health Professions
- Dr. Delores Patterson, School of Criminal and Social Justice
“These extraordinary faculty members represent the very best of Monroe University,” said Dr. Karenann Carty, Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “They are educators who not only excel in the classroom, but who consistently go above and beyond to support our students and uplift our learning community. Their peers have recognized them not just for their teaching excellence, but for the way they live Monroe’s values every day – with integrity, compassion and an unshakeable commitment to student success.”
The awards are named in honor of Dr. Jeff Wallis, a former Vice President of Academics at the University whose dedication to students and passion for continuous improvement continues to inspire all. Each year, the honorees are selected from nominations submitted by fellow faculty members. The submissions are then supported by a review of student course evaluations over the prior three years. Additionally, students and alumni are encouraged to contact the President’s Office to share anecdotes about the professors who shaped their journeys at Monroe and had the biggest impact on their success.
Among the honorees is Dr. Patricia Edwards, who has served Monroe for more than 25 years. An interdisciplinary professor with a passion for global education, Dr. Edwards has taught in both the Department of Allied Health and the Department of English and Social Sciences. Her teaching portfolio spans numerous subjects, and her campus involvement reflects her dedication to cultural enrichment and community engagement. She co-founded and advised both the Environmental Science Club and the Caribbean American Heritage Committee – initiatives that brought awareness and celebration of environmental and Caribbean cultural issues to the campus community.
Another honoree, Dr. Elena Mashalova, brings a deep scientific background and global perspective to her classroom. A faculty member since 2008, she teaches science courses to allied health and nursing students, drawing on an impressive academic and professional history. After earning her master’s degree in biochemistry and virology from Sofia University, where her research was published in a leading European journal, Dr. Mashalova worked in the pharmaceutical industry before completing her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her doctoral work focused on using viral immunomodulatory genes to prevent transplant rejection. At Monroe, she is especially inspired by the cultural richness of her students and is driven by a lifelong passion for both science and mentorship.
Each of the Faculty of Distinction honorees brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and student-centered care to Monroe’s classrooms. Their recognition is a celebration not only of their professional accomplishments but also of their lasting influence on the University’s academic excellence and vibrant culture.
Congratulations to all of this year's honorees. We thank you for your outstanding contributions to our community!