School of Medicine faculty and staff earn university-wide recognition

The University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM) is celebrating a remarkable showing in the 2026 Presidential Excellence Awards, with faculty earning more than two-thirds of the university-wide honors, reflecting the school’s deep commitment to excellence, service and impact. 

The Presidential Awards, presented annually, recognize faculty and staff across the university who exemplify outstanding achievement in areas including teaching, research, service, leadership and community engagement. This year’s honorees from the School of Medicine were recognized across multiple categories, highlighting the breadth of impact taking place throughout the school’s mission areas. 

Among the School of Medicine honorees were: 

• Aaron Calhoun, professor, Department of Pediatrics, recipient of the Trustees Award 
• Michelle Maddox, department coordinator III, Department of Urology, recipient of a Cardinal Principles Champion for Accountability 
• Gregory Barnes, professor, Department of Neurology, recipient of Distinguished Faculty Award in Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity in Basic and Applied Sciences 
• Aruni Bhatnagar, professor, Department of Medicine, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in Career Achievement Award in research 
• Tara Schapmire, associate professor in the Department of Medicine, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity in Social Sciences 
• Kupper Wintergerst, professor, Department of Pediatrics, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in Service to the Profession 
• Gerard Rabalais, associate vice president, HSC Office of Educational and Professional Development, and professor, Department of Pediatrics, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award for Career of Service Award 
• Mirzada Kurbasic, professor, Department of Pediatrics, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award for National and International Service 
• Jennifer Koch, professor, Department of Medicine, named a Distinguished Teaching Professor 
• David L. Fichuo, department coordinator IV, Department of Pediatrics, recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award 

For ULSOM leaders, this year’s recognition speaks not only to the accomplishments of individual honorees, but also to the culture that supports their success. 

“Having School of Medicine faculty members earn over two-thirds of the Presidential Awards shows that our faculty not only meet UofL’s motto of igniting potential and shaping tomorrow, but lead it,” said Chris Seals, assistant dean of faculty affairs and advancement. “It signals that our educators, researchers and clinicians are driving impact at a level recognized across all 12 schools and colleges.” 

The awards reinforce what many within the institution already experience daily: a community where excellence is the expectation. 

“These honors highlight a culture where excellence, service and discovery are common achievements,” said Seals. “They reflect a faculty that consistently advances UofL’s core goals of being a great place to learn, discover, connect and work.” 

The university-level recognition also reflects the strength of the School of Medicine’s people-first culture and the shared purpose that drives its mission forward. 

“Having so many employees recognized at the university level signals a strong, high-performing culture grounded in excellence, engagement and shared purpose,” said Glenn Gittings, chief of staff for the school. “It reflects a community that is not only meeting expectations, but consistently going above and beyond in service, innovation and impact. These recognitions also speak to the strength of our environment – one that invests in its people, values contributions across roles and creates a culture where excellence is visible and celebrated.” 

The awards also help make excellence visible across the organization, inspiring others while reinforcing the collaborative nature of the school’s success. 

“When individuals and teams are recognized at the university level, it affirms that their work matters – not just within their unit, but to the broader institutional mission,” said Gittings. “Even when a single individual is recognized, teams often see that achievement as reflective of their shared effort, collaboration and support. That builds cohesion and reinforces the idea that success is a team endeavor.” 

As the ULSOM continues advancing its strategic priorities in education, research, patient care and community engagement this year’s honorees serve as an example of the impact possible when people are empowered to thrive. The School of Medicine celebrates all those whose work advances the university’s mission while strengthening the communities it serves every day. 

View photos from the award ceremony online.