The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to share the winners of the fifth annual Mission, Values, and Pillar Awards.
These awards recognize individuals in the College of Medicine who have made exceptional contributions toward advancing health care across the Commonwealth and reflect a commitment to the mission, values, and pillars of our college’s strategic plan. The awardees help us provide excellent education, enable the advancement of scientific discoveries that make a difference for patients, and ensure we are taking care of our people and partners.
The complete list of MVP award winners is listed below. Please join us in congratulating these incredible members of the UK College of Medicine community!
Pillar Awards: Excellence in Education
Recognizes an individual who strengthens the quality, distinction, and impact of the college’s educational programs. The awardee demonstrates a sustained commitment to developing learners into accomplished professionals and scholars who contribute meaningfully through clinical and community service, research and discovery, creative endeavors, and teaching excellence.
- Padmaja Sudhakar, MD, associate professor of neurology and ophthalmology | Faculty Winner
- Shannon Schumacher, academic advisor, UK College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus | Staff Winner
Pillar Awards: Excellence in Research
Honors an individual who has advanced transformative research through innovation and collaboration. The individual’s work demonstrates significant scientific impact and improves health outcomes for people of Kentucky and beyond, reinforcing the college’s leadership in research excellence.
- Sidney “Wally” Whiteheart, PhD, professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry | Faculty Winner
- Mindy Thompson, research navigation specialist, Office of Research | Staff Winner
- Zachary Kipp, PhD candidate in the department of pharmacology and nutritional sciences | Learner Winner
Pillar Awards: Excellence in Partnership
Recognizes an individual who exemplifies the college’s commitment to caring for its people and partners. This award honors individuals who foster well-being, cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with community and institutional partners, and demonstrate service through volunteerism, collaboration, and engagement.
- Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD, associate professor of behavioral science | Faculty Winner
- Robyn Morris, LCSW, department of pediatrics | Staff Winner
- Jasmeet Kaur, MBBS, neurology resident | Learner Winner
Values Award
Honors an individual who consistently exemplifies the core values of the college - collaboration, integrity, discovery, stewardship, and compassion. Through their actions and professional conduct, the awardee fosters a culture that reflects these principles and positively influences colleagues, learners, and the broader academic and clinical community.
- Alison Slone, MD, associate professor of pediatrics | Faculty Winner
- Caree McAfee, administrative director of operations and evaluation, Markey Cancer Center Community Impact Office | Staff Winner
- Shelby McCubbin, MD, Class of 2026 alumna | Learner Winner
Mission Award
Recognizes an individual who actively promotes an environment of excellence in education, ensures access to high-quality health care, and supports transformative research. The nominee’s contributions advance the health and wellness of Kentuckians while extending meaningful impact beyond the Commonwealth through service, leadership, and innovation.
- Kathy O’Connor, PhD, professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry | Faculty Winner
- Janell Hacker, APRN, APP, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) | Staff Winner
- Riley Irmen, PhD student in the department of physiology | Learner Winner
