Posted on January 30, 2026 by Wendy Frost
The Carlos Alvarez College of Business celebrated outstanding faculty and staff achievements at its annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony this month. The event recognized 12 faculty and staff members for their exemplary contributions.
Retiree Elaine Sanders is pictured with Dean Halbesleben and Senior Associate Dean Juan Manuel Sanchez
The college also recognized retiree Elaine Sanders for her 31 years of service. Sanders was instrumental in shaping the college's Department of Accounting, and she retired as associate professor. During her tenure she served as chair of the department, oversaw the college's AACSB accreditation efforts and served as director of the MACY program.
Seven faculty members were honored for their contributions in teaching, research and service.
Teaching Awards
Isil Koyuncu, assistant professor of operations and analytics, was awarded the E. Lou Curry Teaching Excellence Award, the college's premier teaching honor. Koyuncu's approach to teaching is to create meaningful, applied learning experiences that have measurable impacts in improving the student's academic success.
Wenjing Yao, associate professor of practice in operations and analytics, was presented with the Endowed 1969 Commemorative Award for Teaching Excellence. Yao enlightens her students with both knowledge as well as enthusiasm for the subject matter and boasts a 4.5 teaching average even though she teaches some of the most difficult courses offered by the college.
Research Awards
Recognized for his research prowess, Huy Le, professor of management and Alvarez Research Fellow, received the Col. Jean Piccione and Lt. Col. Philip Piccione Endowed Research Award. Le's research has been published in top-tier journals and is focused on refining quantitative research methodologies that are relevant to organizational research and applying such advances within the fields of organizational behavior, human resource management and education.
Alexander Lewis, assistant professor of management and Alvarez Research Fellow, also received the Col. Jean Piccione and Lt. Col. Philip Piccione Endowed Research Award. A recognized entrepreneurship scholar, he has published in the leading research journals in management. He recently established the Alvarez Powell Lab for Entrepreneurship Policy Prototyping in the college.
Service Awards
The college had two recipients this year of the Patrick J. Clynes Endowed Service Award. The first recipient is Vipin Agrawal, professor of practice in finance. Agrawal's commitment to serve has focused on encouraging students to take part in experiential learning opportunities and supporting FTT faculty, who are integral in undergraduate instruction and mentoring.
Rick Gretz, associate professor of marketing, invests his time on service activities where he can directly influence academic and professional outcomes as well as strengthen the research identity of the college. This includes serving as a PhD advisor and chairing the college's PhD committee.
Overall Faculty Excellence
In recognition of overall faculty excellence in teaching, research and service, Karan Bhanot, the Quincy Lee Chair of Real Estate and Finance and professor of finance, was presented with the Endowed 1969 Commemorative Faculty Award for Overall Faculty Excellence. Bhanot has given back consistently to the college serving as chair of the Department of Finance, excelling in his teaching and research and mentoring students.
Staff Awards
Five staff members were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments supporting the college. Michaela McDonald, senior administrative associate in the Department of Marketing, received the Rising Star Award, which is presented to employees with less than three years of service who have made significant contributions to the college. McDonald is caring, hard working and always willing to collaborate with her colleagues.
Cassandra Salazar, senior director of development, was honored with the Leadership Award for her outstanding supervision and support of the college's goals. Since joining the college in 2023, she has delivered exceptional results fundraising for the college, building relationships and leveraging opportunities that leave behind a legacy of support in the college.
Two staff members were selected as recipients of the Extra Mile Award. This award is given to staff who put in extra effort in their assignments and with their peers and customers. Caitlin Fairas, senior management analyst in the Student Success Center, has been instrumental in developing policies and refining processes that have streamlined undergraduate program operations in the college and strengthened student support services. Her innovative approaches and willingness to help has led to her success. Victoria Rodriguez, project coordinator in the Student Success Center, works with the college's business student organizations as well as provides leadership within the Career Compass program. She has elevated our programs through her initiative, creativity and commitment.
Katherine Perritano, technology project manager, was honored with the prestigious Order of the Roadrunner Award. This award is presented to individuals who increase productivity and efficiency in the college, and it is the highest honor that a staff member can receive. Perritano has made a lasting impact in the college during her 10 years of service. Her ability to solve problems and help people has made her a valuable member of the Alvarez team.
— Wendy Frost
