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Five William Paterson University faculty and staff have been named as the recipients of the institution’s 2025 Pioneer Awards. The Pioneer Awards honor faculty and staff for their exemplary contributions, leadership, and dedication to the William Paterson University community.
“We are thrilled to recognize some of our employees who have established a higher standard of work performance to the benefit of our students and the University overall, demonstrated leadership qualities in challenging assignments, and who voluntarily shared their talent to support our community,” says Allison Boucher-Jarvis, vice president for human resources. “They are a true embodiment of our Pioneer spirit.”
The 2025 Pioneer Award recipients are:
Michele Martin, Professional Services Specialist, Student Developmennt
Award: Leadership and Team Spirit
Nominated by: Francisco Diaz, Associate Vice President for Student Development
Michele Martin was recognized for exemplifying the highest standard of impact on team performance, productivity, and cross-functional collaboration. Through her ingenuity, strategic planning, and dedication to continuous improvement, she has significantly enhanced key University programs and services—from Commencement and Homecoming to new student onboarding and family engagement. Her ability to adopt, refine, and lead through the use of innovative tools such as Qualtrics, Navigate, Eventbrite, and other platforms has streamlined processes for Commencement tickets, volunteer management, and accommodations; improved communication with students, families, and vendors; Increased participation in events like Welcome Day and Family Day, and reduced late requests, improved response times, and enhanced the overall student and family experience. Her proactive approach—whether coordinating with IT, marketing, or external partners—has turned complex, multi-unit processes into seamless operations. Her leadership has not only improved efficiency but also set a new standard for collaboration and service excellence across the University.
Johanna Torres, Director of Student Enrollment Services
Award: Leadership and Professional Achievement
Nominated by: Jacqueline Kohler, Assistant Director, WP Online Financial Aid
Johanna Torres has set a standard of excellence through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success. She leads by example—raising the bar for work performance while fostering collaboration, innovation, and a positive environment across departments. Her leadership shines brightest when faced with challenging assignments, where she consistently demonstrates integrity, vision, and the ability to unite teams toward shared goals. Beyond her formal responsibilities, Torres has devoted her time and expertise to mentoring colleagues, helping them navigate complex processes and develop their professional potential. From guiding team members through intricate billing systems and grant processes to helping create payment plans that keep students on the path to graduation, her impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping careers, strengthening services, and improving the overall student experience. She embodies what it means to be a Pioneer—leading with heart, fostering growth in others, and inspiring her peers through both words and actions.
Krista Molly O’Donnell, Director, Humanities Honors Track and Professor of History
Award: Faculty as Mentor
Nominated by: Barbara Andrews, Dean, Honors College
Since 2017, Krista Molly O’Donnell has mentored dozens of students in the University Honors College, inspiring them to transform their curiosity into rigorous, yearlong research projects. Her approach is both deeply student-centered and intellectually expansive—allowing students to pursue a variety of topics and even original creative works such as novels, biographies, and art catalogues. Through her innovative teaching and mentorship, O’Donnell has created transformative learning opportunities—ranging from immersive study trips to Berlin, Quebec City, and Montreal, to first-year experiences in New York City designed to cultivate critical thinking. Students consistently report that these experiences reshape their understanding of history, culture, and their own academic potential. Her ability to foster intellectual independence, coupled with genuine care, leaves a lasting impact on each student she guides and exemplifies the highest ideals of faculty mentorship at William Paterson University—combining scholarship, creativity, and compassion to elevate student success and inspire lifelong learning.
Patrick Ryan, Director, Instruction and Research Technology
Award: Leadership and Innovation
Nominated by: Jae Kim, Senior Instructional Designer, Center for Teaching with Technology
Patrick Ryan was honored for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach in renegotiating William Paterson University’s contract with Blackboard, the institution’s Learning Management System (LMS). Through a strategic and data-driven process, he conducted a thorough market analysis of LMS usage in higher education and solicited competitive bids from leading vendors, including Canvas and Desire2Learn. Armed with this insight, he successfully negotiated a five-year renewal that secured more than $200,000 in total financial savings and the doubling of system’s storage capacity, aligning with the University’s expanding academic and technological needs. This initiative not only generated significant cost savings but also enhanced the University’s digital infrastructure, enabling improved service delivery to both faculty and students. Ryan’s forward-thinking leadership reflects a commitment to innovation that strengthens William Paterson’s reputation for fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and student-focused advancement.
Christie Jaime, Internship Site Coordinator, Department of Public Health
Award: Community Leadership
Nominated by: Corey Basch, Chair, Department of Public Health
Christie Jaime was recognized for her exceptional dedication to building and strengthening partnerships that enrich both William Paterson University and the wider community. Through her leadership, public health students have gained access to invaluable field placements across New Jersey and beyond, including expanded opportunities for online master of public health students. As an alumna, educator, and mentor, Jaime bridges connections between students, alumni, and community organizations—fostering meaningful collaborations that create real-world impact. Her work not only enhances experiential learning and professional development but also deepens alumni engagement and supports critical accreditation initiatives.
