Two distinguished faculty members at the VCU School of Dentistry have been recognized with prestigious university honors, each reflecting exceptional achievement and impact. 

Alexandra Howell, D.M.D., has been named a recipient of the Pedagogical Excellence and Innovation Award (PEIA), and Shillpa Naavaal, B.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., has been honored with the National/International Recognition Award, celebrating their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the university.

“I could not be prouder to celebrate Dr. Alexandra Howell, recipient of the PEIA Award, and Dr. Shillpa Naavaal, recipient of the NIRA Award—two extraordinary faculty members whose accomplishments exemplify the very best of VCU School of Dentistry,” said VCU School of Dentistry Interim Dean Jeff Johnson, D.M.D.,M.P.H., Ed.D. “Their leadership, scholarship, innovation and unwavering commitment to our learners and to improving others' lives extend far beyond our school, demonstrating the profound impact dental educators can have on our profession and the communities we serve. This is excellence in action—an incredible moment of pride for our entire VCU Dentistry family.”

As a PEIA honoree, Howell, Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, has been recognized as one of VCU’s most accomplished and impactful faculty members. 

Established in 2025, the PEIA honors faculty whose teaching ignites curiosity, fosters deep learning, and transforms the lives of students. This award recognizes those who inspire through creativity, clarity, and care in the classroom — setting a standard for excellence in pedagogy that resonates far beyond a single course or semester.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen for this award. Teaching our students is incredibly rewarding on its own, so receiving this award really feels like the icing on the cake,” said Howell. “I’m especially grateful to my department chair, Dr. Sarah Glass, for her mentorship and to the selection committee and Dean Johnson for this recognition. Most of all, I’m thankful to my colleagues and students who make teaching such a meaningful and enjoyable part of my week.”

As a NIRA recipient, Naavaal, Associate Professor for the Departments of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health and Policy, has been recognized as one of VCU’s leading scholars.

Now in its fourth year, the award recognizes faculty members who have achieved national or international distinction for exceptional accomplishments during the course of the previous calendar year (2025) and who are performing in the top 1-2% of their school/college. 

“Dental Public Health and Policy research is the heart of my work, and being named the NIRA Award recipient is an extraordinary honor,” said Naavaal. “Strong, sound research not only builds and advances knowledge but also has the power to shape practice and policy, and can have an impact far beyond its intent. Seeing that my work has informed and supported programs, practice, and policies and used both nationally and internationally, is profoundly humbling — it's an affirmation that my scholarship is making a meaningful difference.” 

Naavaal said the award reflects the shared efforts of her colleagues and collaborators who make the work possible, along with the unwavering encouragement of her family.

“This award is not mine alone; it is possible only because of the amazing colleagues and collaborators who share in this work, and my family who always support and cheer me on,” Naavaal added. “I deeply appreciate this recognition and thank Dean Johnson and the selection committee for honoring me. This award is a testament, and it inspires me to keep expanding my scholarship, strengthening our academic community, and representing VCU and Dental Public Health at the highest levels.”

Howell and Naavaal were among nearly 50 VCU faculty members recognized for their excellence in research and teaching through the NIRA and PEIA awards.

Nominations for both awards were submitted by Interim Dean Johnson and reviewed by the Office of Faculty Affairs, which then provided recommendations to Art Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., Executive Vice President and Provost, for final selection.

Howell and Naavaal will be recognized alongside 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award winners and the 2026 Promotion and Tenure honorees at the Faculty Recognition Gala on October 27.

View the full list of VCU faculty honored with the NIRA and PEIA awards.