6/17/25

Every year, The Universities at Shady Grove shines a spotlight on the extraordinary dedication and impact of staff and faculty through the prestigious Board of Advisors Kendall Service Awards. Named in honor of beloved USG champions Clifford and Camille Kendall, these awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to support student success, foster innovation, and build a stronger campus community. The 2025 recipients have truly made their mark—and their colleagues and students have taken notice. Meet this year’s honorees and discover what makes their contributions so inspiring. Remarks were drawn from feedback provided by nominators.
 

Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Robert M. Sheehan Jr.
Senior Lecturer
R.H. Smith School of Business
University of Maryland, College Park

“His passion for teaching shines through every lesson, as he consistently creates an environment where students feel motivated to excel and engage deeply with the subject matter. His lessons are not only academically rigorous, but also thought-provoking, encouraging students to think critically and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Through mentorship and encouragement, [Sheehan Jr.] helps students navigate their career paths and provides invaluable advice on how to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. He goes above and beyond to create opportunities for students to develop professionally, whether by sharing industry insights, recommending internships, or simply being a trusted resource for career advice.”
 

Outstanding Academic Program Leadership 

Dr. Leah Waks
Principal Lecturer & Director of Undergraduate Studies
Communication Studies
University of Maryland, College Park

“Dr. Waks is more than an academic leader - she is a mentor, innovator, and an unwavering advocate for students. When speaking with students at College Park and USG, one sentiment is echoed time and again: Dr. Waks inspires us with academic advising, her innovation, and creativity. She is always there for us. Her dedication to student engagement and academic excellence has touched countless lives, guiding students not only through their undergraduate years but also into their professional development and careers…. Her efforts strengthen the USG campus experience and create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to excel. Dr. Waks’ commitment to creating innovation and securing resources has led to significant improvements in teaching and learning, making higher education more accessible, engaging, and impactful for USG students.”
 

Outstanding Service to Students

Shelby Speer 
Manager of Teamwork, Leadership & Collaboration
Division of Student Affairs & Career Readiness, USG 

“As the USG Student Council Advisor, Shelby goes above and beyond to support students, ensuring they have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. She actively works across departments and programs to create initiatives that enrich the entire campus, making USG a place where students feel supported both academically and professionally.

Beyond her official responsibilities, Shelby is an unwavering advocate for student needs. She actively pushes for improvements in services that benefit both current and future students, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Her ability to provide high-quality support services, coupled with her genuine care for student success, makes her an exceptional candidate for this award.”
 

Outstanding Service to the USG Community

Irene Münster
Director, Priddy Library, USG

“As her staff will tell you, Irene has made the Priddy Library the hub of academic activity on campus. A whiteboard encourages visitors to share their thoughts on weekly questions, frequent workshops help students with the intricacies of building research strategies and following citation guidelines, ample computer terminals provide support for those seeking research questions and answers, and rotating exhibits invite viewers to reflect on how past and present shape their worlds. Yet all of this has emerged as the result of collaborations, as Irene and her staff have worked with classes, organizations, and individuals from throughout the programs at Shady Grove to build a library that invites participation from all visitors in learning how to use information to further their goals and ensure their academic success.”

In addition to monetary rewards, recipients, joined by their families, were celebrated at the year-end Board of Advisors Recognition Reception held on June 10.