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2026 UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville Employees Recognized for Excellence

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Knoxville (UTHSC COM-Knoxville) recognized five outstanding team members during the annual Employee Excellence Awards. Nominated by their colleagues and supervisors, this year’s recipients were honored for excellence in job performance, leadership, courtesy and customer service, community service, and teamwork and collaboration. The 2026 honorees are Ashley Capps (Performance), Amanda Wilson (Leadership), Deanne Cunningham (Courtesy and Customer Service), Lilia Brock (Community Service), and Tiffany Johnson (Teamwork and Collaboration).

Excellence in Job Performance

From left to right: Interim Dean Jonathan S. Wall, PhD and Ashley Capps

Ashley Capps is recognized for her exceptional performance and dedication to supporting her team. Known as a trusted resource across campus, she consistently demonstrates reliability, responsiveness, and a deep knowledge of departmental and accreditation processes.

Nominated by Pamela Guider and Lyndsey Cook, Ashley is described as an invaluable team member whose productivity and initiative set her apart. She has played a key role in projects such as coordinating technology and logistics for a newly remodeled Pathology Conference Room, while also maintaining professionalism in high-pressure situations and supporting faculty and residents with consistency and care.

In addition to her technical expertise, Ashley is widely respected for her willingness to mentor others and share her knowledge, helping ensure both people and processes continue to improve across her team.

Excellence in Leadership

From left to right: Interim Dean Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Amanda Wilson, MBA, and Hope Wright

Amanda Wilson is recognized for her impactful and collaborative leadership across the institution. She consistently leads in ways that support faculty, staff, and the broader mission of the College of Medicine.

Nominated by Jennifer Ferris, Amanda is known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and find solutions that move important work forward. Whether addressing financial, logistical, or procedural barriers, she approaches each situation with thoughtfulness, openness, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

She also played a key role in developing and implementing a professional development pathway for research coordinators, creating new opportunities for growth, recognition, and retention. Her leadership style, grounded in authenticity and respect, has strengthened both people and systems across campus.

Excellence in Courtesy and Customer Service

From left to right: Interim Dean Jonathan S. Wall, PhD and Deanne Cunningham

Deanne Cunningham is recognized for her outstanding commitment to service and support. She consistently goes above and beyond to assist faculty, staff, and trainees, ensuring critical needs are met with efficiency, attention to detail, and care.

Nominated by Michael Freeman, MD, Deanne has been widely praised for her role in onboarding new faculty and fellows, where her proactive communication and organization help create a smooth and positive experience. She is known for anticipating challenges, developing solutions, and stepping in wherever needed to support her team.

Her contributions extend to coordinating major events such as the Advanced Hernia Summit and improving onboarding processes for fellowship programs, strengthening operations and enhancing the overall trainee experience.

Excellence in Community Service

From left to right: Interim Dean Jonathan S. Wall, PhD and Lilia Brock

Lilia Brock is recognized for her dedication to community outreach and service. From her first day, she has demonstrated a passion for connecting with others and expanding access to health information both within the hospital and throughout the community.

Nominated by Abagail Pujol, Lilia has led and supported numerous outreach efforts, including library pop-up events, participation in Remote Area Medical clinics, and initiatives that connect underserved populations with valuable health resources.

She is also known for her creativity and personal touch, from organizing engaging community activities to creating handmade items that brighten patients’ days. Her work reflects a genuine commitment to improving the well-being of others and strengthening community connections.

Excellence in Teamwork & Collaboration

From left to right: Interim Dean Jonathan S. Wall, PhD and Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany Johnson is recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Teamwork and Collaboration Award, a new honor selected by the Dean to recognize individuals who exemplify the spirit of the College of Medicine through collaboration, trust, and commitment to shared success.

Nominated by Michael Freeman, MD, and Melissa Weaver, Tiffany is widely known as a dependable team player who consistently goes above and beyond to support colleagues across departments. She regularly assists other coordinators, mentors new research staff, and contributes to a collaborative environment that strengthens research operations across the institution.

She has played a critical role in advancing research productivity, supporting investigators, and building strong relationships across teams. Her ability to communicate effectively, share knowledge, and step in wherever needed reflects the core values of teamwork, cooperation, and respect that define this new award.

"These remarkable individuals represent the very best of the UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville. Their commitment to service, collaboration, and excellence defines the spirit of the COM-Knoxville and the work that they do has a meaningful impact on our faculty, staff, trainees, and the communities we serve. This year we recognize these outstanding people, but they represent the identity of the whole COM," said Interim Dean Jonathan S. Wall, PhD.

Posted May 28, 2026