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Celebrating Excellence in Scholarship at the University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix has taken a significant step forward in academia by announcing the winners of its first-ever President's Award. This award aims to honor groundbreaking research and scholarship that enhances our understanding of effective organizational practices, educational development, and leadership dynamics.

The winners will be honored during the upcoming Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit, taking place virtually on October 22-23, 2026. This annual event brings together scholars and practitioners to discuss pertinent issues in research and education.

A Closer Look at the Award Recipients

The inaugural President's Award has three categories: Research Award, Scholarship Award, and Dissertation Award, showcasing diverse scholarly contributions.

Research Award Winners

Marlene Blake, PhD; Sushil Jindal, PhD; and Martha Zepeda, DNP
Their research focuses on the impact of faculty engagement and curriculum on online doctoral education, highlighting the pivotal role that faculty play in student integration. Published in College and University, their quantitative study analyzed data from 265 doctoral students and revealed that those enrolled in redesigned programs post-2020 experienced significantly increased academic and social integration. This work emphasizes the need for effective faculty-student engagement strategies to enhance online learning environments.

Scholarship Award Winners

Christine Marquis, DM; Marlene Blake, PhD; and Scott McCalla, DM
Through a thematic analysis of the University of Phoenix's Career Optimism Index® reports spanning 2021 to 2025, these scholars explored workforce sentiments and discovered patterns reflecting both challenges and resilience among workers. Their findings underscore the importance of personal adaptability and stress the need for organizations to foster supportive structures for career development, especially in the face of evolving labor dynamics influenced by technology and employee expectations.

Dissertation Award Winner

Ashley Meredith, DHA
A qualitative narrative inquiry by Dr. Meredith investigates the unique challenges faced by Black women in ascending to leadership roles within healthcare settings. By conducting interviews with 15 Black women across the United States, she uncovers systemic barriers and articulates essential recommendations that could promote equity in leadership advancement. Dr. Meredith's work aims to foster mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, aligning organizational practices with the advancement of diverse leaders.

The Significance of the President's Award

The President's Award for Organizational Excellence and Empowerment was established to promote significant academic contributions that enhance practices within organizations. Each submission underwent rigorous evaluation by an advisory council dedicated to recognizing innovation and impact in the field.

Join the Celebration

The awards presentation is set to occur on October 23 during the Summit's inaugural session. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the recipients and keynotes, including a session led by Scholarship Award winner Scott McCalla. The theme of this year’s Summit, “Research as Sense-Making in Times of Uncertainty,” is particularly relevant as academia continues to navigate complex social and economic landscapes.

This event, which is free for external guests, will showcase how research can provide essential insights and actionable strategies in challenging times. Interested participants can register to gain access to thought-provoking discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

About the University of Phoenix

With a strong commitment to evolving educational needs, the University of Phoenix has been a leader in innovative learning solutions for over 50 years. It offers various programs aimed at empowering working adults to enhance their professional capabilities through accessible and flexible online education. The College of Doctoral Studies is part of this commitment, focusing on developing next-generation leaders and professionals through applied research in real-world settings. For more information about programs and services, visit the University of Phoenix website.