Dedication, service and exceptional contributions recognized at inaugural Dean’s Excellence Awards Gala
Last week, The Ohio State University College of Medicine celebrated 13 staff, faculty and researchers who were selected as winners of the inaugural Annual Report.
The celebratory Gala was held in at the Ohio Union, in Performance Hall, which is the second largest space on campus. Those present enjoyed fellowship, a delicious dinner and the celebration of the exceptional service and impact of the honorees during the award presentation. Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, dean at the Ohio State College of Medicine, shared how the care and commitment of the honorees contributes to the college’s collaborative work to transform the health of our communities.
“This group of valued staff and faculty members have excelled in their careers,” says Dr. Bradford. “They have also made exceptional contributions to education, research, care and community service.”
The contributions made by the inaugural cohort of award recipients parallels the college’s mission to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the existing college environment that celebrates and learns from diversity.
“For us, diversity honors our individual uniqueness which helps us achieve our shared missions and goals,” Dr. Bradford says. “We recognize and value different perspectives and engage with others who have different experiences. This aids in conducting translational and community based participatory research.”
Katarzyna Danis-Wlodarczyk, PhD, is a research scientist in the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity at the Ohio State College of Medicine. She received the Inclusive Excellence Staff Award for her steadfast leadership and continued endeavors to build a supportive and inclusive work environment where colleagues embrace belonging and can grow and thrive.
“I feel very privileged to receive this award and recognition from my peers,” Dr. Danis-Wlodarczyk says. “Everyone wants to work in a friendly environment and we try to create this through small gestures, words of support and smiles and by cherishing other’s accomplishments.”
Sujit Basu, MD, PhD, is a professor of Pathology at the Ohio State College of Medicine. He received the Faculty Research Award for his nationally and internationally recognized work in the field of neurotransmitters and their role in stem cell biology, angiogenesis and cancer.
“Being recognized by your own institution touches your heart,” Dr. Basu says. “These awards encourages others to nominate their peers for their dedication and efforts.”
For Danielle C. Davis, director of the college’s Anatomical Services and Body Donation Program, winning the Emerging Leader Staff award represents her team’s work to grow and represent the body donation program and continue to make progress.
“We’ve had a synergistic level to bring awareness in the college and across the university and the community,” says Davis.
Nominations for the 2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards will be open from May 1 to June 30. All are encouraged to submit a nomination for a staff or faculty member who is excelling in their career; making exceptional contributions to education, research, care and community service; and advancing inclusion and belonging.
“Your achievements are powerful,” Dr. Bradford says. “I am so proud of everything we have achieved together and look forward to seeing the colleagues that you nominate for one of these fantastic awards.”
