Beverly Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will welcome guests, and President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will deliver opening remarks.

Here is a glance at the 2025 honorees:

University Award of Excellence

Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, M.D., School of Medicine

As director of VCU’s electrophysiology program, Ellenbogen has advanced the treatment of abnormal heart rhythm conditions – including atrial fibrillation, which experts say will afflict at least 12.1 million Americans by 2030. In 1998, he and his VCU team were among pioneers in using ablation to destroy the circuits that cause the arrythmia, and patients nationwide now come to VCU for treatment.

Ellenbogen’s research also has advanced the understanding of cardiovascular pharmacology (how anti-arrhythmic drugs work) as well as the use of CIED (cardiac implantable electronic devices). Under his leadership, VCU also helped discover and popularize the technique of conduction system pacing, which has brought doctors from around the world to VCU for insight.

And over his nearly four decades at VCU, Ellenbogen has also been an esteemed clinician and educator, as reflected in receiving multiple awards for his clinical care and his mentorship.

“I try to teach our learners that being a doctor is not a job – it is a love,” he said.

Distinguished Scholarship Award

Jason A. Carlyon, Ph.D., School of Medicine

Carlyon, who earned his Ph.D. in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in 1999 and joined its faculty in 2007, has spent more than two decades examining the cellular microbiology of rickettsial infections that are spread by ticks, fleas and other blood- or lymph-feeding arthropods. The diseases are expanding geographically, and his research has been groundbreaking, pointing to progress that could treat multiple conditions.

Carlyon’s sustained scholarly activity underscores the transformative impact of his research. He has secured nearly $30 million in external funding, which marks a nearly 100-fold return on a VCU startup investment of $300,000 in his work.

Carlyon also has authored almost 90 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and he holds a dozen patents reflecting his significant contributions to translational research and innovation.

“Jason’s unwavering commitment to scientific excellence in his contributions advancing our

institution’s mission have left a lasting impact at VCU and in the broader scientific community,” said Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine.

Distinguished Teaching Award

Krista L. Donohoe, Pharm.D., School of Pharmacy

A full-time term professor, Donohoe earned her Pharm.D. from VCU in 2010 and began teaching in the School of Pharmacy the following year. She devotes 80% of her time to instruction, and she has served as coordinator or co-coordinator of the Foundations of Pharmacy Practice skills laboratory courses.

Donohoe has repeatedly earned teaching honors in the School of Pharmacy, including the 2021 trifecta of overall Teacher of the Year, P3 Teacher of the Year and Preceptor of the Year.

Her research focus – the scholarship of teaching and learning – reflects her commitment to instruction, and Donohoe has published extensively in leading SOTL journals in pharmacy education. She consults educational literature to develop coursework and adds to the literature through her instructional innovation.

“For years, Krista has been a creative teacher who is a master at engaging her students,” said Kelechi C. Ogbanna, Pharm.D., dean of the School of Pharmacy. “Her students describe her as compassionate and professional, a motivating force, caring – and that she makes learning fun.”

Distinguished Service Award

Susan G. Kornstein, M.D., School of Medicine

Making landmark contributions that link psychiatry and women’s health, Kornstein has been a pioneer in the field – and at VCU. Over nearly four decades, she has elevated its health sciences profile globally and nurtured its research commitment internally.

A professor of psychiatry as well as obstetrics and gynecology, Kornstein is co-founder and executive director of the VCU Institute for Women’s Health, established in 1999 as one of the first such organizations in the country and one of the first institutes developed at VCU. Its model – based on interdisciplinary collaboration, education and community engagement – continues to power VCU’s research enterprise today.

Kornstein has received more than $30 million in funding for her research, including a large federal grant to develop junior faculty as researchers in women’s health.

“Susan is committed to all of our missions,” said Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “Her legacy of service has defined her long career at VCU.”

Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award

Ka Un Lao, Ph.D., College of Humanities and Sciences

Lao has drawn national attention as an early career scientist whose work is both novel and significant: He is developing advanced computational tools for studying complex chemical systems.

Lao, who joined the Department of Chemistry in 2019 and earned promotion to associate professor this year, has focused his research on integrating knowledge from fields beyond traditional chemistry – such as differential geometry, set theory and machine learning – with quantum chemistry and electronic structure theory. His work could enhance energy solutions and propel drug discovery, molecular design and other initiatives.

Lao’s methods have been incorporated into the widely used Q-Chem software and made freely available on GitHub, advancing the broader scientific community. He is VCU’s first recipient of a prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation’s Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods Program.

“Dr. Lao is the personification of an exceptional early-career scholar,” said Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. “He has a record of high-impact research with relevance to solving real-world problems.”

Outstanding Term Faculty Award

Mariah Crilley, Ph.D., University College

Crilley, who joined VCU as an instructor in 2018, is now director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program in University College, where she is an associate professor.

She recently directed the creation of two interdisciplinary minors: Mixed and Immersive Reality Studies, and Practical AI. Crilley guided faculty from multiple VCU colleges and schools through challenging conversations about curriculum and the student experience, and in recognition of such work, she was promoted to a one-of-a-kind position – associate professor of university curriculum innovation – that facilitates universitywide collaboration on interdisciplinary initiatives.

Within IDS, Crilley has developed a range of curricular pathways that have boosted transfer student enrollment and supported nontraditional learners. For her classroom skills, she has twice received Excellent in Teaching Awards from University College.

“Mariah has shown an unparalleled expertise in, and enthusiasm for, advancing the university mission through teaching and curricular innovation,” said Andrew T. Arroyo, Ed.D., senior vice provost for academic affairs and interim dean of University College. “Her record as a term faculty member clearly distinguishes her.”

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award

Garland Wesley Childress, M.S., College of Humanities and Sciences

Childress is a fixture in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, serving at VCU for more than 50 years and engaging generations of students in what can be an intimidating subject.

For his first three decades (1972 to 2003) and again from 2011 to the present, Childress has been an adjunct faculty member, teaching variations of algebra, trigonometry, calculus and discrete math. In the intervening period (2003 to 2011), he was a full-time faculty member.

Childress, who earned his master’s degree in mathematics from VCU in 1975, is admired for his high level of engagement in the department, including through math education seminars and committee projects. His devotion to teaching is matched by his openness to new ideas and methods, as he tailors his instruction to varied learning styles.

“Wes is passionate about student success,” said Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. “His flexibility emerges from a genuine desire to create classes that students will want to attend time and again.”