Congratulations to our 2026 Dean’s Achievement Awardees!
These three annual awards, rooted in the Dietrich School’s leadership priorities, seek to honor individuals for their professional achievements as well as their contributions toward making the Dietrich School and CGS destination workplaces.
Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award
Recognizes staff members who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance, productivity, and excellence in the execution of their job responsibilities and who have made a significant impact on the achievement of departmental or school-wide goals and objectives.
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Kelly Lloyd, Director of Faculty Affairs, Office of the Dean
Kelly’s nominators highlighted her extensive contributions to the Dietrich School over many decades, her vast institutional knowledge, and the care and attention she demonstrates in resolving intricate and complex cases. One nominator enthusiastically referred to Kelly as “a mountain of information; an expert at navigating ridiculously convoluted laws, statutes, guidelines and regulations; a patient mentor in explaining complexities to clueless newbies and jaded, seasoned folks alike (and I have been both), and an authoritative last word on so many snaky issues that I have lost count” and went on to share that Kelly “has never once lost her deft touch, her ability to meet you on your own level to explain why something works the way it does, or her seemingly endless fountain of patience.”
Dean’s Achievement Award in Mentoring
Recognizes staff members who inspire and bring out the best in others through mentoring and/or coaching colleagues and who foster an environment of collaboration that empowers others to achieve goals.
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JC Bardzil, Technical Director, Department of Theatre Arts
Each of JC’s nominators spoke of the tremendous impact he has had on staff and students. They spoke of his ability to create an open, collaborative, and supportive environment where individuals can flourish – sometimes surprising even themselves with what they are able to accomplish. One nominator noted that “JC does not just manage projects: he mentors people. He possesses a rare gift for bringing out the best in others, whether they are a student struggling with a complex build or a colleague navigating university systems for the first time.”
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Wynn Maloney, Assistant Director of Academic and Administrative Operations, Office of the Dean
Wynn’s nominators highlighted her deep knowledge of Pitt, ability to set others at ease, and a commitment to fostering collaboration, trust, and a sense of shared responsibility. They noted that Wynn’s commitment to mentoring extends beyond individual mentoring and extends to creating ways that staff can form connections and share knowledge, such as the many working groups she has created to bring staff together by role. Wynn’s nominators explained that her “guidance is never prescriptive; rather, she helps people think through problems, build confidence, and develop their own capacity; hallmarks of a truly exceptional mentor.”
Dean’s Achievement in Workplace Culture Award
Recognizes staff members who go beyond expectations to create and support an open, inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment for colleagues.
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Cheyenne Rhone, Academic Administrative Coordinator, Department of Psychology
Cheyenne’s nominators spoke of her positive attitude, patience, and general interest in her colleagues’ lives. They also shared how the connections Cheyenne has built across campus benefit not just the psychology department, but the entire Dietrich School. One of her nominators explained that Cheyenne’s “thoughtfulness is genuine, not forced, and creates a beautiful environment that you don’t see everywhere.” Another nominator stated that she “has gone above and beyond to not only make me feel welcome and stable in my position at Pitt but has also created inter-departmental working relationships with the other [Academic Administrative Coordinators] across the Social Science Division and Dietrich School.”
Previous Dean’s Achievement Award winners
Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award
- Val Kutchko, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Center, Office of Undergraduate Studies
- Jeremiah McKain, Director of Facilities Support, Office of the Dean
Dean’s Achievement Award in Mentoring
- Marcie Conrad, Assistant Director, Sponsored Projects Administration, Office of the Dean
- Heidi Thomas, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Center, Office of Undergraduate Studies
Dean’s Achievement in Workplace Culture Award
- Stacey Adams, Staff Hiring and Engagement Manager, Office of the Dean