Faculty Awards

Schannae Lucas, PhD

Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice

Lucas is recognized for creating educational experiences that connect academic study with direct engagement in the criminal justice system

Read about Schannae

Katherine “Kate” M. Hoffmann, PhD

Professor, Chemistry

Kate Hoffmann is recognized for her outstanding scholarly achievement and continued success in securing competitive external funding. A professor with expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and general chemistry, she earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Mount Holyoke College and her Doctorate in Biochemistry from Oregon Health & Science University. Throughout her career, she has secured several national research grants that have supported her ongoing contributions to the field of biochemistry.

Most recently, Hoffmann was awarded a three-year, $417,066 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the atomic mechanism of DesD, an enzyme involved in bacterial virulence. The project advances scientific understanding of bacterial survival mechanisms while providing undergraduate students with meaningful, hands-on research opportunities. Her work exemplifies Cal Lutheran's commitment to combining high-impact scholarship with exceptional undergraduate education, strengthening the university's tradition of research that directly engages students.

Students consistently recognize her commitment to teaching and mentorship. As one student shared, “She’s just awesome, very passionate about teaching and probably one of the most ‘human’ professors I’ve had.”

The Provost Distinguished Scholar Award was developed to further the building of a community of scholars at Cal Lutheran. Each year the award is granted to faculty members who have demonstrated significant achievement in research or creative work. The award is funded by a gift from the estate of Pamela M. Jolicoeur, who was Provost at Cal Lutheran from 1993 to 2004.

Katherine M. Hoffmann, PhD

Professor, Katherine M. Hoffmann

Professor Kate Hoffmann received the Dean’s Award for Scholarship/Creative Work for her outstanding scholarly achievement and continued success in securing competitive external funding. During the past year, she was awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation grant that will support groundbreaking research in biochemistry while creating meaningful undergraduate research opportunities. Her work advances scientific understanding of bacterial survival mechanisms and demonstrates the university’s commitment to high-impact research that directly engages students. Through this project, Hoffmann continues to strengthen Cal Lutheran’s tradition of combining exceptional scholarship with outstanding undergraduate education.

Sophia Khadraoui-Fortune, PhD

Assistant professor, Languages and Cultures

Sophia Khadraoui-Fortune received the Dean’s Award for Scholarship/Creative Work for her impressive record of scholarship examining history, memory, race, gender and postcolonial identity in the French and Francophone world. Her research resulted in two peer-reviewed publications that contribute to contemporary conversations about historical memory and social justice. She brings this scholarship directly into the classroom, giving students opportunities to engage with the ideas that shape her research through innovative coursework, including a study travel experience in the French Caribbean. Her work exemplifies the integration of scholarship, teaching and global engagement.

Christine Cummings, MFA

Assistant professor, Theatre and Dance

Christine Cummings received the Dean’s Award for Innovation in Pedagogy for creating dynamic learning experiences that place collaboration, creativity and student engagement at the center of the classroom. Her teaching connects theatre with disciplines across the university while emphasizing active learning and inclusive instructional practices that support students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds. By encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships and broad participation in the performing arts, she has created an educational environment where students are challenged, supported and inspired to succeed.

Sheridan Wigginton, PhD
Professor, Languages and Cultures

Sheridan Wigginton, PhD
Professor, Languages and Cultures

Molly George, PhD
Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice

Akiko Yasuike, PhD

Professor, Sociology

Akiko Yasuike received the Dean’s Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice for her sustained commitment to fostering inclusive excellence through teaching, mentoring and experiential learning. She has guided numerous students through undergraduate research, internships and international learning opportunities while creating pathways for first-generation and historically underrepresented students to thrive. Her mentoring emphasizes academic achievement, professional development and global awareness, empowering students to become thoughtful scholars, engaged citizens and future leaders. Through her work, she has made a lasting impact on both individual students and the broader campus community.

Brian Collins, PhD

Associate professor, Philosophy

Brian Collins received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring for his exceptional dedication to mentoring students as scholars, professionals and future leaders. His guidance has helped graduates pursue doctoral study, careers in law and business, and numerous other professional paths while encouraging them to think critically and pursue ambitious goals. Known for his inclusive and supportive mentoring style, Collins creates opportunities for students from all backgrounds to flourish academically and personally. His commitment extends beyond the classroom through undergraduate research collaborations and outreach initiatives that inspire future generations of students.

Robert Mendoza, PhD 

Assistant professor, English

Robert Mendoza received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring for his outstanding commitment to preparing students for success both during and after their time at Cal Lutheran. He has developed innovative mentoring initiatives that connect students with alumni, expand career exploration and strengthen internship opportunities within the English program. His leadership of the student literary magazine Morning Glory has provided students with valuable editorial and publishing experience while earning national recognition. Through thoughtful mentorship, he helps students develop the confidence, skills and professional experiences needed to pursue a wide range of careers.

Vlad Vaiman, PhD

Professor, Talent Management

Vlad Vaiman received the School of Management Advisory Council’s Research Award. He has exceeded research expectations during his many years at Cal Lutheran. He previously received this award in 2014, and since then, he has authored or co-authored 25 articles in highly regarded, peer-reviewed journals, 15 chapters in research monographs and 20 contributions to conference proceedings. He also has written, edited or co-edited 10 books, served as an editor and peer-reviewer for other journals and conferences, and published numerous articles in the trade media. Vaiman is recognized not only for the quantity of his work, but also for the quality of his work. He is highly regarded worldwide in the fields of talent management, human resource management and international human resource management.

Kyle McIntosh, MBA

Lecturer, Accounting

Kyle McIntosh received the School of Management Advisory Council’s Teaching Award. 
He joined the School of Management as a faculty member after a long and impressive career in various global for-profit companies. The unique combination of vast expertise with a pedagogically sound approach keeps earning this faculty colleague praise from students for its logic, sense-making and applied nature. Both undergraduate and graduate students often comment on how he makes even the most challenging concepts accessible and the most boring ones interesting. Most importantly, teaching for McIntosh doesn’t end the moment scheduled classes end. He often spends significant amounts of time with his students before or after class and engages with them long after graduation.

Adriana Sekulovic, PhD

Adriana Sekulovic, PhD

Adriana Sekulovic received the School of Management Advisory Council’s Service Award. Apart from being a highly regarded and versatile instructor, she has made a major service commitment to the university by developing our online MS in Sport Management program. Within an unbelievably short period of time, she designed a top-notch curriculum, developed syllabi for all courses, shepherded a program proposal through the faculty approval process, identified and hired highly-qualified adjunct professors from around the country, oversaw the development of close to a dozen online courses, developed several online courses herself and, in the summer of 2024, launched the program she now leads as its director. In addition, she continues to be involved in various membership organizations nationally and internationally, serving her academic and professional communities.

Da’Shay Templeton, PhD

Assistant professor, Educational Leadership

Kristine Jan Cruz Espinoza received the Outstanding Scholarship Award. This academic year, she made substantial contributions to the field through meaningful research endeavors, authoring five scholarly publications — two peer-reviewed journal articles, one book chapter and two policy briefs — with four listing her as first author. In addition to her academic writing, she engaged in public scholarship as a guest on the ¿Qué pasa, HSIs? podcast, hosted by Dra. Gina Garcia of UC Berkeley, during which she spoke on solidarity across minority-serving institutions. Espinoza also serves on the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Steering Committee. Her work bridges research and practice, remaining accessible beyond paywalls and amplifying its reach and impact in higher education. 

Tymika Wesley, EdD

Assistant professor, Special Education
Professor, Learning and Teaching 

Tymika Wesley received the Outstanding Teaching Award in recognition of her exceptional commitment to student learning. Nominated by multiple students, Wesley is praised for intentionally designing meaningful learning experiences that connect theory to practice and prepare future educators for the classroom. Her engaging teaching style, personal approach and use of real-world examples make complex concepts accessible, memorable and inspiring. As one student wrote, “She transforms what could easily feel overwhelming into an experience that is meaningful, accessible and genuinely enjoyable.” 

Mel Spence, EdD

Professor, Learning and Teaching 
Assistant dean of assessment accreditation
GSOE TPA coordinator

Mel Spence received the Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to the university. Over the past several years, she has played a pivotal role in guiding the accreditation process with remarkable organization, expertise and unwavering commitment. As one nominator wrote, “It is clearly a cumbersome, yet critical process, and she led it with grace and humor.” Her tireless efforts were instrumental in the successful reaffirmation of the university’s accreditation, and the campus community is deeply grateful for her outstanding service. 

Nikki Hrach, MS

Adjunct faculty, Learning and Teaching

Nikki Hrach received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to student success. Over the past four years, her guidance and expertise have contributed to a 100% first-time pass rate on the edTPA for Special Education candidates. Nominated by multiple colleagues, she is recognized for making the rigorous edTPA process approachable, providing steadfast support to candidates and fostering their confidence every step of the way. As one nominator wrote, “ Her consistent results, thoughtful instruction and positive impact on future education specialists make her highly deserving of recognition.”