Watson College Faculty and Staff Honored with University Awards and Recognitions

UNC Wilmington honored outstanding faculty achievement, dedication and academic success at the third annual Faculty Awards Celebration, “Soaring Together: Celebrating Our Faculty,” on April 28.

Four Watson College of Education faculty members were among the honorees:

Sara Movahedazarhouligh

Sara Movahedazarhouligh received the 2026 UNCW Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award for the Watson College. The award recognizes excellence in teaching and teaching-related activities that foster students’ lifelong learning and success. Dr. Movahedazarhouligh is an associate professor and coordinator of the Leadership, Policy and Advocacy for Early Childhood program at UNCW’s Watson College of Education.

Maggie Guggenheimer

Maggie Guggenheimer, senior lecturer in WCE’s Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy and Special Education, received UNCW’s 2026 Senior Lecturer of the Year Award. Presented through the Center for Teaching Excellence, the award recognizes the efforts and contributions of outstanding professional teaching-track faculty. Ms. Guggenheimer is an elementary education mathematics instructor.

Daisy Barreto

Daisy Barreto received UNCW’s 2025-26 Graduate Faculty Mentor Award. Presented by the Graduate School, the award recognizes graduate faculty members who excel in graduate teaching, scholarship and mentoring. Dr. Barreto is an associate professor in the Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education. She serves as coordinator of the Master of Science in Instructional Technology program and four post-baccalaureate certificate programs in the Watson College of Education.

Michele Parker

Michele Parker received UNCW’s 2026 Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award. Presented by Faculty Senate President Colleen Reilly, the award recognizes excellence in scholarship, research and creativity, including collaborative work with colleagues and students. Dr. Parker is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership.

The faculty members also were featured in an April 30 UNCW homepage story, “UNCW Celebrates 2026 Faculty Award Recipients.

Additional Recognitions

Satlaj Dighe received a Bridge Builder Award from the Office of International Students and Scholars for outstanding support of international students. Dr. Dighe is an assistant professor in WCE’s Department of Educational Leadership.

Laurie Howell, an administrative associate in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy and Special Education, was nominated for the 2026 UNCW Staff Award for Excellence. She was recognized for her outstanding service at UNCW’s Staff Awards Reception on April 28.

“We are proud to see so many Watson College faculty and staff members recognized for their excellence, leadership and commitment to students,” said Watson College Dean Tracy Linderholm. “These honors reflect the extraordinary impact they make across our university, our profession and the communities we serve.”