By Amelia Heymann

“VCU continues to be one of the very best models of a public research university that could exist because of our faculty,” President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said in opening remarks.

He noted that the faculty’s embrace of interdisciplinary inquiry and cross-departmental solutions creates an environment that supports their work as researchers, practitioners – and especially as educators.

“I’m so grateful to all of you for everything that you have done to really engage our students creatively and critically,” Rao said.

Convocation was held at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, and it featured the following seven faculty honorees for 2025:

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. In 1998, he and his VCU team were pioneers in using ablation to destroy the circuits that cause the arrhythmia, and patients nationwide now come to VCU for treatment.

Ellenbogen said when his team started, “people actually thought we were crazy.” But VCU supported his research, which helped turn the university into a destination for clinical care.

“I’m so glad that VCU is at the head of innovation and discovery in this field,” he said.

Ellenbogen’s research has also advanced the understanding of cardiovascular pharmacology (how anti-arrhythmic drugs work) as well as the use of CIED (cardiac implantable electronic devices).

“It is an absolute honor to be entrusted to take care of people’s lives and to be able to change their lives,” he said.

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.

As an instructor, Donohoe emphasizes autonomy, competence and relatedness –  as reflected by her co-development of an active-learning laboratory on pharmacists’ role in opioid overdose management.

“Whenever there’s something that’s going on, we try to make sure our students know how to handle things in real life,” she 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.

“Through our work, we’ve identified a number of antigens that we can target to protect against this disease,” Carlyon said. “So we think that we’ve laid the foundation for developing a vaccine that can protect humans, domestic or companion animals.”

His impact also is marked by significant contributions to translational research and innovation, with potential to help treat multiple conditions.

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. 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.

“I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished since we started the Institute 26 years ago,” Kornstein said. “The field of women’s health has grown by leaps and bounds, and VCU has been at the forefront of it all in research, education and clinical care.”

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 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.

“VCU has been a supportive place and also an energetic environment for me to grow as a scientist,” Lao said. “It is a great place to do meaningful science and also help train the next generation of scientists.”

Outstanding Term Faculty Award

Mariah Crilley, Ph.D., University College

Crilley is an associate professor and director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program in University College. Within IDS, she 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 the Excellent in Teaching Award from University College.

Crilley emphasizes that while students may study particular disciplines in college, society requires broad thinkers.

“I’m trying to help students …  access the world post-graduation and be ready to solve problems that can’t be solved by a single discipline,” she said.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award

Garland Wesley Childress, College of Humanities and Sciences

Childress has served in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics for more than 50 years, engaging generations of students in variations of algebra, trigonometry, calculus and discrete math.

Childress 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, and Childress said teaching allowed the better side of himself to emerge – and is at the core of the VCU faculty’s commitment to excellence.

“I’m so glad you all came. Not just for showing you care about me, but this university,” he said. “I’m proud to be here today.”