Celebrating Excellence: 2026 CALES Employee Appreciation & Awards
At the annual Employee Appreciation and Awards Celebration, the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences community gathered to do something both simple and essential: recognize one another.
Across classrooms, advising offices, Extension programs and administrative teams, the work of CALES shapes lives and communities throughout Arizona. This year’s honorees reflect that reach—through teaching that transforms, advising that centers on student success, research and outreach that meet real-world needs, and leadership that keeps the college moving forward.
For Interim Dean Michael Staten, the message was clear. Recognition is not just a moment, it’s a practice that strengthens a culture. “Recognition is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways we can invest in each other,” he said.
Each award carries a story of care, persistence, innovation, and impact that often happens quietly and consistently over time. Together, they reflect a shared commitment across CALES to support one another, to elevate excellence, and to continue advancing work that supports Arizona's future.
A+ Advisor Award
Arianna Buchanan
Senior Academic Advisor, Norton School of Human Ecology
Steven Saldana
Selected entirely by student vote, the A+ Advisor Award honors exceptional commitment to student success. Arianna Buchanan was recognized for her proactive, compassionate, and solutions-focused advising approach.
Students consistently highlighted her ability to make them feel heard, supported, and prioritized. Whether helping revise graduation plans or guiding students through complex challenges, Buchanan creates a sense of belonging and clarity that shapes students’ academic journeys.
Her work spans multiple roles, from peer mentor coordination to first-year advising, and reflects a holistic, student-centered philosophy that empowers Wildcats to thrive.
Nancy Rodriguez Lorta, Senior Director of Academic Advising and Student Services in CALES, presented the award and emphasized that Buchanan approaches her work with a solutions-focused mindset, turning challenges into opportunities for growth while consistently leading with compassion. She also noted that Buchanan creates spaces where students feel heard, valued, and understood, reflecting the spirit of the A+ Advisor Award.
“As a CALES alumna, Arianna understands the student journey not just professionally, but personally, and gives back in ways that continue to shape the experience of future CALES Wildcats,” Rodriquez Lorta said.
Outstanding Staff in Cooperative Extension
Melody Thomas
Instructional Specialist, San Carlos Apache Community
Ed Martin and Melody Thomas.
Steven Saldana
Melody Thomas was honored for her deeply rooted, community-driven work in early childhood literacy. Through culturally grounded programming, she has built trust, strengthened partnerships, and expanded opportunities for families in the San Carlos Apache community.
Her leadership extends beyond program delivery. She mentors colleagues, fosters collaboration, and develops innovative initiatives like culturally meaningful literacy recordings for families. Her work exemplifies Extension’s mission: connecting knowledge with community impact.
Ed Martin, Director of U of A's Cooperative Extension, presented the award and said Thomas “doesn’t just implement programs; she enhances them, re-imagines them and creates new ones,” noting that her work consistently reflects innovation, cultural connection, and a deep commitment to the communities she serves.
Extension Faculty of the Year
George Frisvold
Professor and Extension Specialist, Agricultural & Resource Economics
Ed Martin and George Frisvold.
Steven Saldana
With more than three decades of impact, George Frisvold was recognized for his leadership in delivering trusted, research-based economic analysis that informs policy and supports industries across Arizona and beyond.
As leader of the Extension Regional Economics Program, Frisvold has built a nationally respected model grounded in objectivity and credibility. His work influences decisions at the highest levels while also mentoring the next generation of applied economists.
Ed Martin, who presented the award, said, “What truly distinguishes George’s work is something that cannot be measured in citations or reports. It is trust.”
In a field often shaped by pressure to produce favorable outcomes, Martin said Frisvold and his team “remained unwavering in their commitment to objectivity and scientific integrity,” producing analyses that are careful, defensible and transparent.
Legacy Community Champion Award
Christina Garcia
Assistant Director of Academic Advising, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Jeff Ratje and Christina Garcia.
Steven Saldana
Christina Garcia was recognized for her transformative leadership in fostering inclusive excellence and community within CALES.
Through data-informed strategies, innovative advising practices, and a commitment to equity, she has strengthened recruitment, retention, and belonging across the college. Her leadership centers on collaboration, transparency, and empowerment—creating environments where students and colleagues can succeed.
In presenting the award, Jeff Ratje, senior associate vice president of finance, administration and operations, said Garcia “has shaped not only programs and policies, but people, possibilities and purpose across the college,” highlighting lasting and far-reaching impact of her leadership.
Early Career Faculty Teaching Award
Emma Grigg
School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Jim Hunt
Steven Saldana
Emma Grigg received the Bart Cardon Early Career Faculty Teaching Award for her early-career excellence, innovation, and impact in teaching.
In a short time at the University of Arizona, Grigg has made a significant impact on curriculum, student learning and program development. She developed and redesigned multiple courses, including foundational labs and new offerings in animal behavior and welfare science. Her teaching is student-centered, active, inclusive and grounded in real-world application.
Students consistently describe her courses as engaging, well organized and transformative. Beyond the classroom, she has served as an exceptional mentor, supporting students in research, career development and postgraduation pathways.
While Grigg was unable to attend, her colleague Netzin Steklis accepted the award on her behalf. Presenting the award, Jim Hunt, Bart Cardon Associate Dean for Career and Academic Services, said Grigg’s work reflects “early excellence, innovation and a trajectory of meaningful impact.”
Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award
Ronnie Mullins
School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness
Jim Hunt and Ronnie Mullins
Ronnie Mullins received the Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition of a career defined by long-standing commitment to student success, instructional excellence and academic leadership.
Mullins is a master educator whose teaching is grounded in active, experiential learning. Her courses are intentionally designed to move students beyond memorization and into application, analysis and real-world problem solving. She uses case-based learning, collaborative problem solving and applied scenarios to help students build confidence and competence.
In her classroom, students are challenged, supported and inspired in inclusive environments where they feel a strong sense of belonging while being held to high expectations.
Beyond the classroom, Mullins has played a central role in curriculum development, program leadership and faculty mentorship. As a program director and leader, she helped shape a cohesive and rigorous student experience grounded in best practices in teaching and learning.
Presenting the award, Jim Hunt recognized Mullins for “consistency, innovation, leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success.”
David E. Cox Faculty Teaching Award
Rivka Fidel
Department of Environmental Science
Jim Hunt and Rivka Fidel
Steven Saldana
Rivka Fidel received the David E. Cox Faculty Teaching Award for sustained dedication to teaching excellence, mentorship and instructional innovation.
Fidel is a deeply committed and innovative educator who brings both passion and precision to her teaching. She teaches across the curriculum and is known for creating learning environments that are intellectually rigorous and highly accessible.
Her instruction is grounded in evidence-based practices, including retrieval practice, spaced learning and metacognition, designed to help students build true understanding and application of scientific concepts. She also integrates instructional technologies to enhance engagement and collaboration.
Most notably, Fidel has an exceptional ability to make complex scientific concepts clear, approachable and engaging. Students respond to her energy, clarity and genuine care, with some even changing academic and career paths to pursue soil and environmental science as a result of her influence.
Beyond the classroom, she is a dedicated mentor and leader who supports students at all levels and contributes significantly to curriculum development.
Presenting the award, Jim Hunt recognized Fidel’s “commitment to student learning, innovation and mentorship” as representing the very best of CALES.
Outstanding Staff Awards
Rosalie Ibarra
Finance and Operations Professional, College Business Services
CALES Staff Council representatives Kristen Vann and Taylor Grogg with Rosalie Ibarra and Mike Staten
Steven Saldana
Rosalie Ibarra was recognized with an Outstanding Staff Award for her exceptional contributions to College Business Services as a finance and operations professional.
Ibarra’s deep knowledge of university systems, combined with her integrity and reliability, has made her a trusted resource across the college. She is known for her ingenuity, responsiveness and proactive approach, often serving as an informal leader among her peers.
Whether supporting colleagues through complex processes or onboarding new team members, she helps ensure others feel empowered to succeed. Her positive spirit and steady support strengthen both daily operations and the broader college community.
As Mike Staten noted in presenting the award, Ibarra exemplifies “great work [that] happens when people feel valued and connected.”
Meredith Glaubach
Program Coordinator, Promoting Local Arizona Agriculture Mobile Market
CALES Staff Council representatives Kristen Vann and Taylor Grogg with Meredith Glaubach and Mike Staten
Steven Saldana
Meredith Glaubach was recognized with an Outstanding Staff Award for her leadership with the Promoting Local Arizona Agriculture Mobile Market and her impact on food access in Pima County.
Through her work with Cooperative Extension, Glaubach has helped transform community feedback into a meaningful response to food insecurity. The Mobile Market connects families with fresh, affordable produce while supporting small farmers and strengthening the local food system.
Under her coordination, the program has served thousands of residents, expanded to new locations and invested directly in small local food businesses, many from underserved communities. Her responsiveness and compassion have helped establish the market as more than a food access program, but a trusted community hub.
Presenting the award, Mike Staten recognized Glaubach’s work as an example of “practical, community-centered innovation.”
Leslie Grignon
Manager of Student Experience, Career & Academic Services
CALES Staff Council representatives Taylor Grogg and Kristen Vann with Leslie Grignon and Mike Staten.
Steven Saldana
Leslie Grignon was recognized with an Outstanding Staff Award for her leadership in shaping the student experience and fostering belonging within CALES.
As manager of student experience, Grignon brings creativity, compassion and a strong commitment to equity to her work. She supports student wellness initiatives, helping ensure that conversations around mental health are accessible, welcoming and stigma-free.
She also leads student-facing communications, creating digital spaces where students from all backgrounds feel represented and celebrated. Through signature events such as Senior Send-Off and Graduation Convocation, she helps create meaningful moments that honor student achievement and strengthen community connections.
Presenting the award, Mike Staten recognized Grignon for her role in ensuring “every student feels they belong here.”
Nate Eakman
Manager of Finance and Administration, College Business Services
CALES Staff Council representatives Kristen Vann and Taylor Grogg with Nate Eakman and Mike Staten
Steven Saldana
Nate Eakman was recognized with an Outstanding Staff Award for his leadership and steady professionalism in finance and administration for the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness and CALES support units.
Eakman stepped into his role during a challenging period marked by operational changes, budget constraints and the implementation of new financial systems. Through it all, he brought a calm, solution-focused approach that helped teams adapt and move forward with confidence.
He is widely respected for his reliability and integrity, with colleagues across the college regularly turning to him for guidance. His collaborative approach and thoughtful problem-solving have strengthened operations and supported professional growth across teams.
Presenting the award, Mike Staten recognized Eakman for his “steady leadership, professionalism and commitment to service.”
Administrator of the Year
Betsy Arnold
Interim Director, School of Plant Sciences
Mike Staten and Betsy Arnold
Steven Saldana
Betsy Arnold was recognized as the 2026 Administrator of the Year for her transformational leadership as interim director of the School of Plant Sciences.
Arnold stepped into leadership during a period of significant financial and organizational challenge. In less than two years, she helped stabilize the unit by rebuilding financial and administrative infrastructure, recruiting and organizing a high-functioning business team, and ensuring continuity of student support.
She supported advising during staffing shortages, elevated faculty success through mentorship and helped create structures for more inclusive, collaborative decision-making. At the same time, she worked to rebuild community within the school, fostering a culture of respect, shared purpose and optimism.
As one nominator noted, Arnold’s leadership helped shift the school’s culture toward “leadership through positive example,” emphasizing possibility, collaboration and collective growth.
Presenting the award, Mike Staten recognized Arnold’s “integrity, transparency and genuine care for her community,” calling her leadership “transformational.” Arnold received a standing ovation from the audience in recognition of her impact.
Snapshots from the celebration
Use the navigational arrows at the left and right of the images below to scroll through snapshots from the luncheon.
