UC Blue Ash celebrates faculty, staff and alumni achievement

The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College recently put the spotlight on faculty, staff and an alumnus who are going above and beyond in their professional accomplishments and in serving their community.

The annual UC Blue Ash Distinguished Awards ceremony was held on Oct. 2 on the UC Blue Ash campus. The beautiful new Muntz Hall Atrium provided the perfect setting for a night of celebration.

Algeria Wilson (UC Blue Ash ’13, UC College of Allied Health Sciences ’16) is the recipient of the 2025 UC Blue Ash College Outstanding Alumni Award.

Wilson overcame several challenges from her childhood to become the first in her family to go to college. At UC Blue Ash, she found a passion for social work and a strong interest in politics. She volunteered for local political campaigns and learned more about how public policy impacts our communities and the quality of life for so many citizens.

After finishing her bachelor’s degree in social work from UC, Wilson completed her master’s with a focus on public policy from Michigan State University. Since then, her career has spanned influential roles that include Director of Public Policy for the National Association of Social Workers and Health and Equity Policy Advisor to Michigan’s governor. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Juvenile Justice Reform in Michigan’s Department of Health & Human Services.

Wilson said she is amazed by the honor since she was just focused on being a successful student while at UC Blue Ash. She credits the college with helping her develop her future goals and sharpen her skills.

“At UC Blue Ash I had challenging professors, and I loved the small class sizes,” said Wilson. “It was also nice to have the ability to go to main campus and not feel so siloed. I grew to have a great experience overall that helped me get to where I am today.”

Wilson enjoys giving back to today’s UC Blue Ash students through presentations where she talks about her career and her work in public policy.

UC Blue Ash faculty members were recognized at the Distinguished Awards event for exemplary research and scholarship, innovative teaching, outstanding service and career accomplishments. Staff members were honored for exceptional work in their first three years at the college and for demonstrating excellence in supporting students and serving the college.

Below is the full list of the 2025 UC Blue Ash College Distinguished Award winners. You can also watch the videos of each of the award recipients on the UC Blue Ash YouTube channel.

• Algeria Wilson – Outstanding Alumni Award

• Bill Boyle – Honored Adjunct Teaching Award
• Ian Golding, PhD – Innovative Teaching Award (co-recipient)
• Gene Kramer, PhD – Distinguished Teaching Award
• Matthew Norman, PhD – Faculty Exemplary Scholarship Award
• Brenda Refaei, EdD – Outstanding Faculty Service Award
• Micah Savaglio, PhD – Innovative Teaching Award (co-recipient)
• Krista Sigler, PhD – Provost Award for Faculty Excellence
• Keen Wilson, PhD – Provost Award for Faculty Excellence

• Michelle Bodey – Rising Star Award
• Erick Carrero – Student-Centered Staff Award
• Kevin Kellar – Staff Distinguished Service Award

Featured photo: Winners of the 2025 UC Blue Ash College Distinguished Awards join Dean Robin Lightner for a group photo. Photo/UC Blue Ash.