Roanoke College presented three faculty members with awards for exceptional service to students and the broader community.
As mentors and leaders, these professors showcase what it means to be a Maroon — inspiring achievement, creating opportunity for others, and bringing passion and purpose to their work. Nominations poured in from students and faculty alike. Honorees included two professors who were both chosen for a Dean’s Exemplary Service Award.
“Choosing winners is always difficult. It’s truly an honor to be part of such a dedicated and amazing team of faculty and staff,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Kathy Wolfe.
Please join us in congratulating the 2026 honorees!
Dean’s Exemplary Service Award
Professor Skip Brenzovich (Chemistry) serves students inside and outside the classroom as director of the prestigious Honors Program.
In that role, he works closely with students — one of whom praised his “abounding charity” for his hardworking pupils — as an advisor. He plays a pivotal part in their academic journey, ensuring they are both challenged and supported as they pursue ambitious goals.
He’s also the point person for the chemistry program’s nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a cutting-edge tool in modern molecular science and a critical research and teaching resource for students. NMR spectrometers use a powerful magnetic field to measure atomic nuclei and analyze the molecular structure and dynamics of chemical compounds. Brenzovich led the work to acquire a spectrometer for campus and now oversees its operation and care.
Nominators wrote that his commitment to creating rigorous, real-world learning opportunities has been essential for students who emerge better prepared to think critically, solve problems, and succeed after graduation.
The Dean’s Exemplary Service Award recognizes faculty for outstanding work that advances the college’s mission of preparing students for meaningful lives of learning, service, and leadership.
Dean’s Exemplary Service Award
Assistant Professor Sarah Murray (Criminal Justice) is described by peers as an invaluable partner whose passion and collaboration make an impact across campus.
She’s led initiatives that strengthened both the curriculum and student engagement in Public Affairs, including coordinating the PA Promise Awards to recognize talented new students and encourage them to pursue majors in the program. She’s also known for her mentorship of new faculty members and her leadership as chair of the Curriculum Committee, one of the busiest and most important panels on campus.
In addition to teaching, Murray serves as faculty advisor for Mosaic, Roanoke’s living-learning community for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Her genuine commitment to supporting students and creating a welcoming environment on campus shines through, nominators wrote. She leads programs and works tirelessly to ensure students feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
The Dean’s Exemplary Teaching Award
Under Associate Professor Julia Sienkewicz (Art History), students have helped bring a City of Roanoke public art project to life, curated a full-scale museum exhibition, and journeyed across Italy in the footsteps of the grand tour.
That’s just a glimpse of the work Sienkewicz does to cultivate innovative, hands-on learning, frequently partnering with community organizations to layer in meaningful professional development opportunities for students.
Her dedication was recognized in nominations from colleagues, students, and alumni, who described her as a mentor who goes above and beyond. “She has presented me with challenges and growth opportunities I didn’t think I would ever have the courage or capability of doing,” one student wrote, adding it was incredible to see what could be achieved “because someone believed in you during a time when you didn’t even believe in yourself.”
The Dean’s Exemplary Teaching Award honors professors who help students not only learn their subject but grow as whole persons. Sienkewicz has done that time and again, people agreed.
“I could honestly go on and on about how she has inspired and guided me,” another student wrote. “It was truly an honor to have her as my professor.”