President’s Rising Star Awards 2023
EVMS presented its President’s Rising Star Awards during the 2023 EVMS Service & Recognition Awards Ceremony on Nov. 15 at Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
President’s Staff Achievement Awards — Staff Rising Star
The Staff Rising Star Award recognizes up to two full-time staff members in their first four years of service who have shown commitment to the school’s mission, vision and values and demonstrated leadership potential and exceptional job performance.
Angela Schlender, MS
Office Coordinator, Laboratory Animal Science and Medical and Health Professions Education, School of Health Professions
Schlender exhibits consistent and outstanding dedication to EVMS’ core principles. She organizes, supports, and participates in initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and effectively engages in collaborative leadership while overseeing complex cross-departmental projects. Her contributions to quality improvement projects demonstrate her commitment to achieving excellence through teamwork and continuous improvement. She is a diligent and dependable team member with a bright future.
“I am honored to have been selected to receive this award,” says Schlender. “The honor truly goes to all the faculty and staff who guided me this year. Without your guidance and support, I would not be receiving this. Thank you!”
Mary Westbrook, MFA
Director of Marketing and Communications
Westbrook joined EVMS in 2021 and became Director of Marketing and Communications earlier this year. She oversees Public Relations, Videography, Video and Creative Services and works alongside Web Technologies. She has played roles in guiding the department, contributing to the Communications and Branding Functional Team, and planning EVMS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, among other projects, while helping to bridge the creative and practical aspects of her field.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work and learn alongside such talented and creative colleagues,” says Westbrook, “and to support an institution that does so much good for our community. Thank you!
President’s Faculty Achievement Awards — Faculty Rising Star
The Faculty Rising Star Award honors up to two full-time faculty members at EVMS and EVMS Medical Group with fewer than six continuous years of service, who have made significant contributions in teaching, research, clinical practice and institutional service.
Amanda Burbage, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Health Professions
Dr. Burbage’s research focuses on diversity and equity in higher ed policy, graduate student success and the scholarship of teaching and learning. An Assistant Professor in the School of Health Professions, Dr. Burbage recently partnered with scholars from six U.S. academic health centers and universities on research related to the COVID-19 pandemic and learning styles. She consistently displays an outstanding work ethic and commitment to growth in her field.
“Special thanks to Dr. Peggy Gesing for her extraordinary program directorship and mentorship, and much appreciation to the amazing MHPE and SHP colleagues I have the honor of working with daily,” says Dr. Burbage.
Natascha Heise, PhD
Assistant Professor, Pathology and Anatomy
Dr. Heise’s passion for teaching and leadership reflect her dedication to EVMS. An Assistant Professor of Pathology and Anatomy, Dr. Heise promotes diversity and inclusivity and has led initiatives such as the Britt Pre-medical Scholars Program, while also conducting case-based sessions, labs, MCAT prep, and research boot-camps. Her commitment to excellence and efforts to foster a diverse student body have make Dr. Heise a standout faculty member.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family and my colleagues for their unwavering support and mentorship,” says Dr. Heise. “A special thanks goes to Dr. Conran and Dr. Wellman for nominating me for this award.”
View the complete list of award winners.
View the event photo gallery.
Pictured at top: Faculty Rising Star Award recipient Natascha Heise (left) with Dr. Richard Conran, who celebrates his 10-year service milestone in 2023.