It is with great pleasure that we announce the recipients of Sonoran University’s inaugural Faculty Awards — a new tradition that recognizes and celebrates excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship among Sonoran’s incredible faculty. 

Each applicant submitted thoughtful, compelling accounts of their efforts to innovate in the classroom, contribute meaningfully to their disciplines, and serve the university and broader community. The caliber of submissions was excellent, and we want to recognize everyone who applied. The decision process was incredibly difficult reflecting just how fortunate we are to have such an engaged and accomplished faculty.  

Each award recipient stood out for their impact and ability to elevate both the learner’s experience and our institution. They exemplify the values we strive to uphold as educators and scholars.

Four awards were presented during the Campus Synergy Meeting held on May 8^th, 2025. The recipients of the 2025 Faculty Awards are:

Teaching Award:

Dr. Yasmin Abusamra

Dr. Yasmin Abusamra is a full-time faculty member, Department Chair for Basic Sciences, and Division Director of Human Sciences in the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A dedicated educator and academic leader, Dr. Abusamra is deeply committed to supporting student success and faculty excellence. In the classroom, Dr. Abusamra creates dynamic, student-centered learning environments. Her courses are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles, incorporating tools such as the flipped classroom, case-based presentations, diverse assessment methods, and regular integration of student feedback. She is consistently an early adopter of innovative teaching technologies and was among the first to implement the platform Cerago to enhance student engagement and retention. Dr. Abusamra is a passionate advocate for student support and academic development. She spearheaded the creation of the Basic Sciences Development Sessions and the Foundations Courses—two initiatives that have played a vital role in preparing students for academic success from the very beginning of their program. Beyond her teaching, Dr. Abusamra is a dedicated mentor to faculty within her department and division. She actively fosters an environment of academic excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that all faculty are equipped to deliver high-quality, student-focused education. Dr. Abusamra’s leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to both students and colleagues continue to strengthen the academic foundation of the College and reflect the core values of Sonoran University. 

Scholarship Award:

Dr. Jeffrey Langland

Dr. Jeffery Langland serves as a full-time faculty member and the Department Chair for Research in the College of Naturopathic Medicine, as well as the Director of Research at the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Medicine Research. In these roles, Dr. Langland exemplifies academic and scientific leadership while fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery. Currently, Dr. Langland is the Principal Investigator on nine active research projects that span a wide range of topics—from antibiotic resistance, skin care, herpes, and inflammation to specific botanicals like Echinacea and Artemisia. These projects not only contribute to the advancement of naturopathic and botanical sciences but also serve as rich mentorship opportunities, engaging over 40 students each quarter in hands-on research experiences. Over the past year, Dr. Langland has led the submission of three NIH grant proposals and three provisional patents, significantly advancing Sonoran’s growing portfolio of intellectual property. His team has also contributed five peer-reviewed publications, with four more manuscripts in process, and co-authored five conference presentations—further elevating the University’s national research presence. Among Dr. Langland’s many contributions, he also coordinates one of Sonoran’s most anticipated annual events: Research Night. This celebration of student and faculty scholarship draws national and international attention and serves as a powerful reflection of the University’s scientific impact and commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Langland’s unwavering dedication to research, mentorship, and innovation continues to shape the future of naturopathic medicine and solidify Sonoran’s reputation as a leader in botanical and integrative health sciences. 

Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award:

Dr. Jessica Kovalchik

Dr. Kovalchik has been with Sonoran’s College of Nutrition for three years now teaching the Clinical Applications 1 and Clinical Applications 3 courses – two of the of the four courses that make up the MSCN and MSACN programs’ Virtual Health Center Experience.  Dr. Kovalchik has played a central role participating in the nutrition students Pinning Ceremony and in refining the clinical orientation and coursework to support the successful transition of our nutrition students from pre-clinical to their clinical training. These changes have contributed to significant increases in student performance across her clinical applications courses. Dr. Kovalchik’s impact extends past graduation as she also supports the lifelong learning and development of our alumni by serving as a Clinical Supervisor in our postgrad Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) program for candidates pursuing the CNS credential. Dr. Kovalchik also goes above and beyond as an adjunct faculty serving on the Academic Policy and Progress Committee (APPC) and serving this past year on the Presidential Search Committee. She is also Chair of the College of Nutrition’s Curriculum Committee. Dr. Kovalchik is a faculty and clinician who operates with the utmost integrity and compassion for her students, colleagues, and patients alike, she exemplifies Sonoran’s values and strives for excellence in all she does.

Dr. Lillea Hartwell

Dr. Lillea Hartwell has been a valued adjunct faculty member in the College of Naturopathic Medicine since graduating from Sonoran in 2019. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our students, the University, and the advancement of naturopathic medicine. Dr. Hartwell teaches across multiple departments, including Clinical Practice, Botanical Medicine, and Mind-Body Medicine, bringing a well-rounded and integrative perspective to the classroom. She is known for her reliability and willingness to step in when needed, often filling in to teach with grace and professionalism. In addition to her teaching, Dr. Hartwell is a regular contributor to our milestone examinations and plays a key role in ensuring students are prepared for the clinical phase of their education. Her dedication to student success is evident through her leadership of the Community Health Honors Track—a popular and impactful program that requires a strong understanding of both cost-effective naturopathic care and the breadth of Sonoran’s community health sites. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hartwell also supports the University’s admissions efforts by participating in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process, helping to select the next generation of naturopathic doctors. Dr. Hartwell’s unwavering dedication, versatility, and passion for education make her an outstanding member of our faculty. She embodies the mission and values of Sonoran University in all that she does.

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Congratulations to all our 2025 Faculty Award recipients and our deepest gratitude to all our applicants and all of Sonoran’s faculty across all our programs. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to student success are core to our university’s overall success, and this awards process has only deepened our appreciation for the talent and passion that permeates our academic community. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Gena E. Kadar & Dr. Jessica Mitchell