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The Board of Regents of the University System of ɫ���� (USG) recently honored ɫ���� with 25 distinctions, awards, and reappointments reflecting the Institute’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovative practices, and impactful leadership. 

The Board of Regents (BOR) may grant Regents’ distinctions for a period of three years to exceptional members of the USG’s academic and research community. To receive a Regents’ distinction, a candidate must be unanimously recommended by key leaders at their university: the president, the chief academic officer, the dean, and three additional faculty members appointed by the university president. Following this, final approval must be obtained from both the chancellor and the BOR Committee on Academic Affairs. The renewal process follows similarly rigorous guidelines. 

These prestigious distinctions honor faculty and staff who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and have had an outstanding impact on their institutions. 

Award for Excellence in High-Impact Practices 

This year, ɫ����’s program was honored with the Regents’ Award for Excellence in High-Impact Practices and Experiential Learning. This recognition underscores the program’s success in engaging students across disciplines to tackle real-world challenges through collaborative, project-based learning. 

The following ɫ���� faculty members were appointed or reappointed to distinguished positions: 

Regents’ Researcher 

• Stephen Balakirsky, ɫ���� Research Institute (GTRI), Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory *Reappointment 

• Anton Bryksin, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience *Reappointment 

• Brad Fain, Center for Advanced Communications Policy, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and ɫ���� Research Institute (GTRI), Electronic Systems Laboratory *Reappointment 

• Margaret Loper, GTRI, Information and Communications Laboratory *Reappointment 

• Brent Wagner, ɫ���� Research Institute (GTRI), Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory 

Regents’ Entrepreneur 

• Farrokh Ayazi, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering *Reappointment 

• Kirk Bowman, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts *Reappointment 

• F. Levent Degertekin, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

• Andrei Fedorov, Georgie W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering *Reappointment 

• Paul Kohl, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering 

• Mark Prausnitz, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering *Reappointment 

• Gleb Yushin, School of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering *Reappointment 

Regents’ Professorship 

• Facundo Fernandez, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences *Reappointment 

• M.G. Finn, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences 

• Surya Kalidindi, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering *Reappointment 

• Julia Kubanek, School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences 

• Steven Liang, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering 

• Haesun Park, School of Computational Science and Engineering, College of Computing *Reappointment 

• Dana Randall, School of Computer Science, College of Computing and School of Mathematics, College of Sciences 

• Beril Toktay, Scheller College of Business *Reappointment 

• Marvin Whiteley, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences 

Regents’ Innovators 

• Manos Antonakakis, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering 

• Tarek Rakha, School of Architecture, College of Design 

Academic Recognition Award 

In addition to the faculty awards, Ashley Cotsman, a recent graduate of the School of Public Policy, received the prestigious Academic Recognition Award, which celebrates her outstanding academic achievements during her time at ɫ����.  

Reflecting on Excellence  

“These honors highlight the incredible talent, dedication, and innovation that define ɫ����,” said Steve McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “From our transformative programs to our distinguished faculty, researchers, and students, these recognitions affirm our commitment to state-wide leadership in education and research.” 

The Institute continues to demonstrate excellence in academics and research, setting a benchmark for higher education in the state of ɫ���� and beyond. 

Writer: Brittany Aiello, Faculty Communications Program Manager, Executive Communications