Each year, the Faculty Senate recognizes members for their service, impact and contributions.
Four faculty members were honored at the 2026 Faculty Senate Reception on Oct. 28. These individuals were nominated from the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and presented with their certificates at the reception by Pete Jones, Ph.D., chair of the Faculty Senate.
Alison Chapman, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of English
Distinguished Service Award
"Dr. Chapman has been an invaluable contributor to the Faculty Senate, bringing deep expertise in faculty policies, governance and shared decision-making," a nominator wrote. "Over the past year, she played a key role in the Senate as Chair of the Faculty Policies and Procedures Committee. A dedicated advocate for faculty, she consistently offers thoughtful guidance, careful analysis, and a wealth of institutional knowledge. Her attention to detail, strengthened by her background as an English professor, has been instrumental in ensuring the clarity and accuracy of Senate documents. Dr. Chapman’s wisdom, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her faculty colleagues have made a lasting impact on the Senate and the broader faculty community."
Ashley McGuire, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, UAB Libraries
Outstanding Committee Member
"Dr. McGuire has been a dedicated member of the Faculty Senate for many years, providing steadfast support to faculty and Senate leadership alike," a nominator wrote. "Through her service as a Senator-at-Large and now as Associate Parliamentarian on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to shared governance and ensuring that faculty voices are heard. Her experience, dedication and sound judgment have made her a trusted resource for Senate leaders and colleagues across campus. Equally important is her welcoming and collaborative spirit, which helps bring people together and strengthens the Senate’s work. Dr. McGuire’s service, advocacy, and collegiality have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the faculty community."
Safal Khanal, O.D., MPH, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Optometry and Vision Science
Outstanding Committee Member Award
"Dr. Khanal has been an outstanding member of the Research Committee, contributing both expertise and thoughtful leadership to the Senate’s work," a nominator wrote. "In addition to his service on the committee, he has represented faculty through important institutional roles, including service on the Council for Postdoctoral Education and the Undergraduate Research Advisory Committee. Over the past year, he has played an important role in discussions related to the Faculty Development Grant process and efforts to better understand challenges facing international researchers, scholars and trainees. Dr. Khanal consistently provides clear, insightful perspectives on research-related issues and approaches each discussion with professionalism and a collaborative spirit."
Nuria Vendrell Llopis, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Outstanding New Senator Award
"Dr. Vendrell Llopis has quickly distinguished herself as an engaged and effective advocate for faculty through her service on the Research Committee and in the Faculty Senate," a nominator wrote. "She has taken an active role in discussions surrounding strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence and research computing, contributing thoughtful insights and constructive feedback on issues affecting the university’s research enterprise. Beyond attending meetings, she consistently provides informed perspectives, responds thoughtfully to requests for input, and willingly takes on challenging assignments in support of shared governance. What is especially remarkable is that she has done so while building a successful academic career in engineering. Dr. Vendrell Llopis is thoughtful, reliable and collegial, and her commitment to faculty service has already made a meaningful impact on the Senate and the broader UAB community."
Learn more about the Faculty Senate, upcoming meetings and membership at uab.edu/facultysenate.