The UNC School of Medicine has announced the recipients of the 2025 Dean’s Performance Awards, which recognize employees whose work supports the institution’s goal of becoming a leading public school of medicine. The awards are given in four categories—research, education, people, and clinical—aligned with the school’s Accelerate Forward Together strategic plan.
This year, more than 60 nominees were considered for their contributions. The winners were named during the 2025 School of Medicine Annual Staff Summit.
In the research category, Diana Stanley, Administrative Director for Research and Compliance at the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, was recognized. Her nomination highlighted her ability to manage a large international team and strengthen collaborations within the institute. “Diana’s dedication, knowledge and collaborative spirit have improved relationships and provided strength across the institute in a time when multi-national research collaborations are facing a range of obstacles. Diana’s passion for her work, her knowledge and creativity, have directly supported the institute’s mission and boosted its successes.”
Manal Khan, Research Project Manager in the UNC Department of Orthopaedics, also received an award in this category. She was commended for establishing processes that helped her department achieve its first-ever place on the Blue Ridge Institute’s NIH funding list. “Her leadership has helped UNC Orthopaedics earn its first-ever place on the Blue Ridge Institute’s NIH funding list – a historic milestone. Her ability to bring clarity and structure to a complex environment allows researchers to focus on discovery, and her eye for collaboration has helped clinical faculty engage in research as well.”
For contributions related to people within the organization, Ning Fu from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center was honored for over ten years of support with financial workflows and fostering staff development. “Her teammates celebrate the strong collaborative environment that she has built. She leads with a focus on staff encouragement, development and productivity, going out of her way to find valuable training opportunities both internally and externally.”
Janet Martin from TEACCH Autism Program was also recognized in this category for mentoring colleagues since 1981 and supporting families involved in autism services across North Carolina. “Her coaching style, guidance and mentorship helps colleagues become leaders, helps clinicians thrive, and is recognized not only by her peers but by families involved in the TEACCH program as well.”
In clinical achievements, Abby Noschese from UNC Department of Orthopaedics received praise for innovation and data-informed strategies that improve patient care: “Abby is known for fostering strong relationships, using a data-informed approach to achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes, and going above and beyond to contribute to all facets of the department’s operations.”
Jayson Delisle from TEACCH Autism Program was acknowledged for helping autistic individuals meet employment goals while connecting them with community resources: “Jayson helps these individuals gain and maintain meaningful work while connecting with essential community resources… Jayson’s team also recognizes his leadership, commitment to service, and his supportive approach as a mentor and colleague.”
Education awards went to Holly Shepherd from UNC Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics for supporting students through new degree programs: “She helped create and launch a new master’s degree track… Additionally Holly also has played a key role in helping program directors with collection…of comprehensive data…”
Alice Stone from Offices of Medical Student Education was honored for leading curriculum redesign efforts: “Colleagues celebrate Alice for her outstanding leadership… Her attention to detail…and leadership have left a lasting impact on her teammates…”
The Dean’s Performance Awards highlight staff who contribute significantly toward advancing research initiatives; improving educational offerings; supporting patients; fostering inclusive environments; or enhancing administrative functions at UNC School of Medicine.
