As a data and assessment coordinator, Omar Safir's multifaceted role has had a profound impact on KU, as well as on numerous collaborating institutions. Often referred to as the "Swiss army knife" of the Center for Teaching Excellence, Safir performs a broad range of responsibilities that significantly enhance the work of the center and its programs.

Safir’s role includes planning, organizing, tracking and analyzing data from faculty development programs that interact with hundreds of KU faculty each semester. He collaborates with academic departments to design and analyze surveys, focus groups and exit interviews for students, alumni and faculty. Additionally, Safir plays a crucial role in providing consultative support on assessing student learning outcomes for all undergraduate and graduate degree programs at KU. He also holds a leadership position in the CTE’s external collaborations, such as those through the Bay View Alliance and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Safir's exceptional ability to integrate his diverse professional experiences into his work is what sets him apart. Since joining KU, he has transformed his role, bringing "out of the box" solutions to longstanding practices and taking on leadership in projects that were initially beyond the scope of his position. Notably, Safir has co-led two major initiatives over the past year: a multi-million dollar cross-institutional grant on equitable teaching practices from HHMI, and the Ideas to Action program, which promotes community and student success in the classroom. In both cases, his leadership has been indispensable in steering the direction and depth of these projects.

What makes Safir truly stand out is his deep moral clarity and his ability to foster a sense of community and collaboration. He is deeply committed to ensuring that the welfare of students and faculty, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, is always a central focus. His contributions have been invaluable in helping teams move beyond traditional, deficit-based views of education, encouraging difficult but necessary conversations about historical biases in higher education.

Safir is also a remarkable team player. He is known for his ability to listen carefully and offer insights that move discussions forward. His colleagues respect him for his perceptive and empathetic nature. Whether working within small teams or large, cross-institutional collaborations, Safir is always eager to contribute, shoulder responsibilities and offer support to others. His commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and effective work environment extends beyond professional tasks; he is known for organizing office celebrations, checking in on colleagues and creating an overall positive atmosphere within the CTE.

As a collaborator, Safir consistently strives to build community and trust among faculty and staff. His efforts to connect people and ensure they feel valued have had a lasting impact on the CTE and KU as a whole. He has earned the admiration and respect of faculty and colleagues, who consistently praise his ability to engage, support and empower others in their work.

In the words of his colleague, “with a technical competency borne of diverse professional experiences and a moral force borne of personal trials and successes, Omar labors with diligence and empathy to center students in the work of faculty. Plus, he is a charming and affably quirky fellow."

Melissa Meyers has worked for KU for over 10 years. In her role, she prepares and maintains equipment and stocking supplies for the Introductory Biology Laboratory for STEM majors; oversees the safety and cleanliness of related work areas and teaching laboratories; collaborates with the director of labs, teaching assistants and other staff, interacting with a diverse student population; supervises student hourly employees hired to assist with lab preparations; aids the director in designing new or revising existing laboratory curricula; maintains the budget for the course; and assists with digital platforms and learning management systems associated with the course. In her role, she has helped enhance the learning of over 600 students every year.

Meyers plays an important role on the Undergraduate Biology lab team, making the labs run smoothly and helping the GTAs learn best practices in leading lab sections. The introductory biology laboratory that Meyers coordinates is often students’ first biology class and first lab course that they take at KU. Setting the right expectations and atmosphere for learning provides the foundation for all that the students will experience in future coursework.

One of her colleagues wrote, “Melissa has shown exceptional leadership and mentoring abilities. She makes sure each student and GTA has what they need to succeed. She is always willing to share knowledge, assist colleagues and support new team members as they adjust to the lab environment. She frequently volunteers her time in support of departmental activities. She never hesitates to talk GTAs through tough situations. I have become a better GTA from the mentorship I’ve received from such talks. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond make her a joy to work with.”

Another colleague wrote, “One of the standout qualities that Melissa brings to her team is her passion for science and education. Her enthusiasm motivates everyone around her to embrace new learning opportunities. Her commitment to mentoring and training new student employees helps ensure that her lab continues to thrive and maintain its high standards.”

Meyers was nominated for Employee of the Month with 16 letters of support. She is described as a steadfast team player, and one colleague wrote, “Melissa truly embodies the spirit of excellence and service that this award represents.”

Tyra Kalman is a dedicated and compassionate professional who has become a cornerstone of the Jewish Studies Program at KU. With a deep commitment to supporting both students and colleagues, she has earned a reputation as a trusted adviser and leader. Kalman’s approachability, leadership and drive to create positive change within the academic community make her an invaluable asset. 

Since joining the university, Kalman has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, particularly when it comes to supporting students. Amid rising concerns surrounding antisemitism, Kalman has become a key figure for Jewish students seeking counsel. Her empathetic nature allows her to provide comfort and guidance, and she connects students with appropriate resources both on campus and beyond. Her ability to build strong, trusted relationships with students has made her a first point of contact for those navigating difficult situations.

Kalman’s contributions extend far beyond one-on-one interactions. Her leadership and adaptability have significantly influenced the Jewish Studies Program, where she has risen to the equivalent of an assistant director. Kalman has played an instrumental role in expanding course offerings, organizing engaging events and elevating the visibility of the program. Under her guidance, the number of students enrolled in Jewish studies courses and pursuing the minor has grown substantially.

A standout team player, Kalman has fostered a warm and supportive atmosphere among colleagues. She maintains an open-door policy, encouraging dialogue and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Her leadership was especially evident when she took on the monumental task of coordinating the Jews in the Americas conference in April 2024. Kalman worked seamlessly with over 10 departments, external partners, alumni and donors, demonstrating her organizational skills and ability to make everyone involved feel integral to the project’s success.

In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, Kalman has also taken the initiative to organize significant student events, such as those connecting Jewish professionals with students. These events provide valuable networking opportunities and career insights for students in Jewish studies, preparing them for success beyond graduation.

On a personal level, Kalman's warmth and kindness are felt by everyone who works with her. As one colleague put it, she creates a "familial atmosphere" in the office, making it a joy to collaborate and share experiences.

Kalman consistently goes the extra mile to find the resources needed to support faculty and students . Her determination is fueled by a personal connection to the history and legacy of the Jewish people, particularly through her father’s experiences as a Jewish World War II officer of the Eighth Airforce, 457th Bomb Group, who survived 18 months in a Nazi POW camp in Barth, Germany. This personal history informs Kalman’s work and deepens her passion for Jewish studies, propelling her to seek out and share valuable information to benefit others.