At Stanislaus State, transformational learning experiences begin with faculty members whose teaching, scholarship, mentorship and service shape the lives of students every day.
This year, the University recognized five faculty members for exceptional achievement through its annual Faculty Awards, honoring excellence in teaching, research, governance, community engagement and professional development.
The awards were presented during the annual Faculty Recognition Reception, which also celebrated retiring faculty members, recognized those entering phased retirement and acknowledged employees for milestone years of service at Stan State.
“Everyone honored tonight has helped transform the life of a student, a colleague, an administrator and countless folks along the way,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Richard Ogle said during the ceremony. “As we get to experience this space where we see how generations both come together as well as say goodbye to each other, we find ourselves again thinking about what it is that we do and who it is that we are.”
Together, this year’s honorees, retirees and milestone faculty represented more than 925 years of collective service to the University.
Outstanding Professor: Ashley Black, Department of History
Ashley Black was recognized for bringing “thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a deep commitment to equity” to her teaching. Her community-centered approach encourages students to work collaboratively throughout the semester, helping foster belonging, support and the co-creation of knowledge.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Black serves as co-chair of the AI and Professional Development Working Group and as a faculty fellow at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Her scholarship focuses on Latin American history and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Outstanding Community Service: Ana York, Department of Teacher Education
Ana York was recognized for her work expanding equitable access to postsecondary education for future teachers through partnerships with regional high schools and community colleges.
Working with the organization Educators Rising, York established the first local chapters in California with Modesto City Schools and Stanislaus State. She also founded and advises the Aspiring Educators student organization, helping first-generation students and students of color gain confidence and professional experience as they prepare to enter the teaching profession.
Through grant funding, York has helped bring dozens of high school and college students to the Educators Rising National Conference and currently serves as chair of Stan State’s Alumni Advisory Council.
Outstanding Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity: Harold Stanislaw, Department of Psychology and Child Development
A previous recipient of the same award in 2009, Harold Stanislaw was recognized for his sustained commitment to scholarly research and collaborative inquiry. His research has explored topics including positive psychology in college students, traffic safety for cyclists and factors influencing STEM student success at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
During his time at Stanislaus State, Stanislaw has published 39 peer-reviewed articles and served as program evaluator for multiple federally funded grants supporting student success and faculty development. In recent years, he has averaged eight conference presentations annually, using research and data to explore applied questions and advance understanding in the field.
Outstanding Service in Faculty Governance: Arya Alami, Department of Kinesiology and Public Health Promotion
Arya Alami was recognized for his collaborative leadership and contributions to shared governance at Stan State. Currently serving as Speaker of the Faculty for the 2025-26 academic year, he previously served as speaker-elect and has helped lead efforts focused on advising practices, faculty engagement and open dialogue across campus.
His service to the University also has included leadership roles on the General Education Subcommittee, Faculty Budget Advisory Committee, Institutional Review Board Committee and Instructionally Related Activities Committee, in addition to five years as an academic senator.
Elizabeth Anne B. Papageorge Faculty Development Award: Cash Bortner, Department of Mathematics
Cash Bortner was recognized for his student-centered teaching philosophy and innovative instructional approaches, including standards-based grading, formative assessment and active learning.
Bortner has guided 17 undergraduate students in research activities resulting in submitted articles, conference presentations and poster sessions. His service work includes academic advising, club advising, student mentorship and serving as chair of the Faculty Development Committee.
Letters supporting his nomination described the “care, relentless enthusiasm, and kindness” he brings to his work as an educator and the positive impact he has had on students and colleagues.
