The Michigan State University College of Engineering recognizes 18 faculty and staff members with awards for their excellence in service and distinguished contributions.
Each year, faculty and staff are nominated by their colleagues, industry peers and students for the most prestigious honors the college offers.
“These awards recognize the highest level of excellence in our faculty and staff,” said College of Engineering Interim Dean John Papapolymerou. “It is our honor to acknowledge these exceptional individuals for their accomplishments, contributions and dedication to our college community.”
Honorees will be presented their awards during the 2025 Engineering Awards event to be held later this year.
Of the 18 recipients, 15 receive recognitions established through the Withrow Endowed Teacher/Scholar/Service Award Program.
The Withrow Endowed Teacher/Scholar/Service Award Program was created with a gift from the late Jack Withrow (BS, MECH EGR, ’54; MBA ’71) and the late Dottie Withrow (BA, speech therapy and elementary education, ’55) to recognize members of the college who have demonstrated excellence in instructional and scholarly activities and rendered distinguished service to the university and student body.
The 2025 Engineering Awards recipients:
Gloria Stragier Award
This award is presented to a staff member recognized for exceptional and creative job performance and/or concerned and creative leadership.
- Jonathan E. Wakeman, Research Administrator II, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering
Spartans Will Award
This award is presented to a staff member who has worked in the college for at least two years and is viewed as a role model who exceeds expectations.
- Shelly M. Harbenski, Administrative Business Manager, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Engineering Excellence Teaching Fellow Award
This award honors an individual who initiates successful activities that promote a positive and inclusive learning environment for their students.
- Jason S. Smith, Specialist – Teacher, Applied Engineering Sciences
Withrow Excellence in Diversity Awards
These awards recognize faculty and staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement in advancing diversity through research, teaching, and outreach.
Sustained Excellence Award
- Katy Colbry, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, Engineering Graduate Studies
Emerging Accomplishments Award
- Robert Ferrier, Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Withrow Global Leadership Award
This award recognizes faculty and staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement in advancing global scholarship through research, teaching, and outreach.
- Carl J. Boehlert, Professor, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Withrow Student Service Award
This award is presented to an advisor, academic specialist, or non-tenure track instructor for outstanding service to students.
- Elizabeth Kubias, Specialist – Advisor, Engineering Undergraduate Studies
Withrow Teaching Excellence Awards
These awards, based primarily on student nominations, recognize faculty who have created effective, enthusiastic learning environments, are accessible and dedicated to advising and mentorship.
- Truman Surbrook, Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
- Debajit Saha, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
- Tyler Johnson, Specialist – Teacher, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Surya Sarat Chandra Congress, Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
- YiYing Tong, Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
- Devin Silvia, Specialist – Teacher, Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering
- Matthew Meier, Specialist – Teacher, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Geoffrey D. Recktenwald, Senior Specialist – Teacher, Mechanical Engineering
Withrow Exceptional Service Award
This award, based on nominations from department chairpersons, recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional institutional, public and community service.
- Erin K. Purcell, Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Withrow Distinguished Scholar Awards
These awards recognize faculty members who demonstrate excellence in scholarship.
Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award
- Assaf Gilad, Professor, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Withrow Rising Scholar Award
- Sijia Liu, Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
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