Three faculty members honored by USM Board of Regents
University System of Maryland’s highest honor recognizes TU faculty for excellence in mentoring, creativity
Each year, the University System of Maryland’s (USM) Board of Regents honor the best of the best faculty within its 12 member institutions.
This year, Towson University faculty members Alexei S. Kolesnikov, Mary Sajini Devadas and Luis Engelke received awards for their mentorship, creativity and tireless work helping TU students in and out of the classroom.
"Our three distinguished honorees embody the excellence of TU faculty in teaching, mentorship and creative activities,” says Melanie Perreault, TU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “As exemplary educators, they represent the standard of academic excellence for which TU is so widely known. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their well-deserved recognition.”
Institutional faculty nominating committees make recommendations to the institutional presidents, who review nominations and support material and forward recommendations to USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman.
The Regents Faculty Review Committee makes the final recommendations and bestows awards in five categories: mentoring, public service, creative activity, teaching and scholarship and research.
The board of regents will recognize the winners at its board meeting on April 11 at Towson University. Each honoree will receive a monetary prize provided by the institutions and the USM Foundation. The USM staff awards will be announced in the summer.
Meet this year’s winners.
Excellence in Mentoring:
Alexei Kolesnikov
Fisher College of Science and Mathematics
Alexei Kolesnikov is a professor in Towson University’s Department of Mathematics and the director of TU’s Office of Undergraduate Research. During his time at TU, Kolesnikov—or Dr. K as many students call him—has been an
advocate and mentor to countless students throughout campus.
Kolesnikov has established and transformed several programs that greatly impact student
success. Three major initiatives include the dramatic expansion of undergraduate participation
in research and creative inquiry, development of the Applied Mathematics Lab and the
institutionalization of course-based undergraduate research experiences at TU.
Learn more about Kolesnikov’s work at TU
Mary Sajini Devadas
Fisher College of Science and Mathematics
Mary Sajini Devadas is an associate professor in TU’s Department of Chemistry and the director of TU’s Office of Competitive Fellowships and Awards (OCFA). TU has become one of the top producers of Fulbright Scholars, and that is thanks in large part to the hard work of Devadas. Her tireless work and mentorship has helped hundreds of students earn countless prestigious scholarships and grants.
As OCFA’s director, Devadas' energy, enthusiasm and effort have provided TU students
with the confidence and guidance to compete for these prestigious programs.
Learn more about Devadas and her work at TU.
Excellence in Creative Activity:
Luis Engelke
College of Fine Arts and Communications
Luis Engelke is professor of trumpet in the Department of Music. He also holds the position of principal trumpet with Lancaster, Kennett, and Mid Atlantic Symphony orchestras, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and the Endless Mountain Music Festival. His exceptional performance is only matched by his contributions in the areas of composition and scholarly writing.
Since coming to TU in 1999, Engelke has established himself as a top performer, author, arranger and composer. He’s authored more than 300 publications, has received global awards for his solo albums, performs more than 100 engagements annually and was recently named co-director of TU’s College of Fine Arts and Communication’s COLAB (Collaborative Laboratory). Engelke’s drive, talent and ability to transform his profession are examples of what makes TU a top destination for creative and scholarly activity.