ܽƵ Celebrates Staff Excellence with Annual Employee Recognition Awards
Five standout employees were honored for their exceptional service, innovation, leadership, and dedication to the ܽƵ community.
BRISTOL, R.I. – ܽƵ recently honored five outstanding employees whose contributions to the campus community stood out for their impact and dedication. Selected for the 2025 Employee Recognition Awards, these individuals were recognized for going above and beyond in service, innovation, equity, emerging leadership, and behind-the-scenes support.
“Honoring our employees through the Employee Recognition Awards is a celebration of their hard work, longevity, and dedication and recognition of the unwavering commitment they demonstrate every day to ܽƵ,” said Thomas McDonough, Associate Vice President of Human Resources. “These talented employees exemplify qualities such as integrity, compassion, and innovation, which enrich our campus community and profoundly impact our students' experiences.”
Chosen through university-wide nominations, the honorees reflect the many ways staff strengthen their departments by uplifting their colleagues and advancing the university’s mission of ensuring student success and creating the changemakers who will graduate ready to make a difference in the world.
Distinguished Service Award
Wendy Smith, Assistant to the Dean’s Office in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Education, was selected for the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her exceptional support and dedication to the ܽƵ community. Described by her colleagues as “kind, patient, organized, and creative,” Smith plays an essential role in the Education Department, where the complexity of operations demands both precision and flexibility.
“She is an amazing troubleshooter and problem solver,” one nominator wrote, “and the faculty and staff in the Education Department can rely on her 100 percent of the time.” In addition to her organizational excellence, nominators said Smith brings warmth and professionalism to every interaction, serving students, staff, and faculty with tireless care and attention.
“Wendy has a strong understanding of the larger needs and aspirations of the department beyond what is required of her.”
President’s Innovation Award
For her visionary work reimagining the university’s brand identity, Blair Carroll, Director of Brand and Creative Services, received the President’s Innovation Award. Carroll led a comprehensive rebranding initiative in collaboration with colleagues across the Marketing and Communications team, efforts that have “not only modernized ܽƵ’s visual identity but also fostered a cohesive and authentic representation of the university's values and community spirit,” one nominator said.
Carroll’s leadership in developing and implementing the phased rollout of new branding elements ensured a seamless internal launch by the start of the 2024-25 academic year. Her work was recognized as a model of innovation in higher education communications, marrying design excellence with strategic impact.
“Blair has been instrumental in revitalizing the university’s branding strategy.”
Rising Star Award
Hannah Ilagan, Student Life Compliance Officer, was honored with the Rising Star Award for her fast-rising trajectory as a professional in higher education and her unwavering commitment to student support and institutional values. A key member of the Title IX Office, Ilagan has earned a reputation for her ability to navigate difficult, often emotionally charged investigations with compassion, integrity, and a high level of emotional intelligence.
“She has quickly emerged as a consummate professional,” a nominator wrote, highlighting her ongoing pursuit of a master’s degree in Public Administration at ܽƵ, deep knowledge of compliance processes, and ability to “do whatever it takes to obtain new experiences.” Colleagues noted her collaborative spirit and readiness to volunteer across departments as setting her apart as a leader on the rise.
“Hannah is clearly a Rising Star in the Student Life area.”
Equity Award
Gena Bianco, Dean of the Extension School (ܽƵ EXT), was recognized with the Equity Award for her groundbreaking work in expanding access to education and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bianco led the development and recent significant expansion of the university’s Prison Education Program at the , offering degree programs and career certification programs that support incarcerated learners.
Beyond program development, Bianco was also recognized for mentoring faculty and staff, instilling in them the same passion and commitment she brings to every endeavor. One colleague praised her ability to cultivate “a supportive and dynamic work environment,” noting her technical expertise and empathetic leadership.
“Dean Bianco exemplifies the qualities of a true professional leader.”
Unsung Hero Award
Mike Gallagher, Associate Director of Athletics for Recreational Services and Facilities, was named this year’s Unsung Hero, honoring his steadfast, behind-the-scenes contributions to ܽƵ Athletics. Whether stepping up as Interim Director of Athletics for 10 weeks, prepping athletic fields, managing fitness center operations, or saving a student’s life with CPR, Gallagher was recognized for consistently going beyond the call of duty.
“He’s a Swiss army knife, capable and willing to complete any task, no matter how small, big, urgent, or unexpected,” a colleague shared, emphasizing how Gallagher’s versatility, selflessness, and quiet leadership have made him indispensable across countless roles and responsibilities on campus.
“[Mike] truly embodies the spirit of an unsung hero.”