The Candace J. Johnson Award for Staff Excellence has announced its 2025-26 recipients, recognizing standout staff from the School of Nursing, School of Public Health, and the Museum of Paleontology for their dedication and exceptional contributions to their workplaces.
This year’s award saw nominations for 170 individuals, with three being honored:
Jenna Blumenauer, senior adviser for professional graduate studies at the School of Nursing
Phoebe Kulik, senior director of workforce development at the School of Public Health
Adam Rountrey, research museum collection manager at the Museum of Paleontology
Provost Laurie McCauley highlighted their commitment, saying, “Jenna, Phoebe, and Adam each represent what Candace Johnson herself embodied: a deep commitment to the people around them and a willingness to go further than the job requires.” The award commends those who make others feel seen and supported, whether it be students, community partners, or colleagues, fostering a lasting impact on their workplace environment.
Recipients of the award will each receive $1,500 and a commemorative plaque from the Office of the Provost at a private reception later this semester.
Established in 2004, the award honors the memory of Candace Johnson, a longtime staff member in the Office of the Provost, and celebrates staff who perform their roles with excellence, inspire others, and cultivate a positive and collaborative work atmosphere.
Jenna Blumenauer
Described by colleagues as going beyond traditional roles, Jenna Blumenauer is lauded for her deep commitment to students. She has been instrumental in creating initiatives such as the Science and Writing Learning Circles, which provide peer support and lasting structural solutions. Additionally, her graduate student peer mentorship program has significantly improved the student experience, fostering a connected community of emerging nurse leaders.
Her colleagues, Lisa Kane Low and Rushika Patel, highlight her compassion as a defining trait, stating, “She serves as an anchor for students from diverse backgrounds and at every stage of their academic journeys, guiding them with empathy and respect.” Blumenauer’s open-door approach during difficult times has set new standards for advising excellence.
Phoebe Kulik
Phoebe Kulik is praised for her steady leadership and strategic planning, especially during challenging periods in public health. Laura Power from the School of Public Health commended her people-centered approach and oversight of major workforce-development initiatives, including a regional Public Health Training Center covering six states.
Her successes include leading a competitive grant renewal and developing a national toolkit for systems change. Kulik’s ability to support colleagues, especially during uncertainty, is noted by Ryleigh Emelander, who expressed appreciation for her efforts in making everyone feel heard and cared for.
Dana Thomas, also from the School of Public Health, wrote that Kulik’s empathy and guidance were crucial during the Flint water crisis, describing her as a “godsend.” Her capacity to navigate complex situations with poise is highlighted as her most notable quality.
Adam Rountrey
Adam Rountrey is recognized for his dedication and innovative contributions in the Museum of Paleontology. Colleagues, including Jennifer E. Bauer, acknowledge his role in standardizing 3D data curation on an international scale and his leadership in initiatives like the GLAM-IT forum.
Rountrey has made significant strides with the U-M Online Repository of Fossils, enhancing accessibility to digital fossil collections. His mentorship and generosity in sharing his expertise, such as aiding a student with a project on dinosaur bite mechanics, exemplify his supportive nature. Colleagues describe him as a compassionate individual who enriches the museum environment.
