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Associate English Professor Marc Ouellette last month won a new $10,000 prize recognizing dedication, creativity and achievement at �鶹����AV.

An inaugural set of three Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Awards were presented by Old Dominion President Brian O. Hemphill at an event titled “Forward-Focused” held at Chartway Arena.

Ouellette was chosen as the 2025 faculty winner. Other Monarch Pillar awards went to a staff member and to a student.

In making the presentation, Hemphill highlighted Ouellette’s generous spirit. “Our honoree is described by peers and students as one of the University’s most innovative and dedicated scholars, educators, and mentors by embodying a spirit of academic excellence and true collaboration.”

Ouellette, he said, maintains an open, standing offer to students to co-author peer-reviewed articles and collections and insists that the student be listed as the primary author, while describing his own role as secondary.

“I am stunned, amazed, in awe, and very lucky to have wonderful colleagues and students,” Ouellette wrote after the ceremony. “They are more than I could hope for and better than I deserve.”

Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Awards are to be presented annually to those “whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.”

This year’s honorees were selected through a peer- and campus-driven nomination process. Winners were chosen for their professional service, collaboration, and the cultivation of a culture of excellence at Old Dominion.

The student Pillar award went to Megan Bianchetta, a second-year medical student.  Karthik Navuluri, assistant vice president for technology solutions, won the staff award.

Follow this link to learn more about the 2025 Pillar award winners.