The UTFI President’s Award is a highly prestigious award which recognizes outstanding achievements by advancement staff in applying creative concepts to improving performance, advancing fundraising and alumni engagement efforts and promoting a better understanding of the systemwide advancement activities and asset management services of UT Foundation. Those honored have demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth and organizational development, supports collaborative efforts, fosters employee and customer loyalty, serves as a mentor to other colleagues, adheres to core values and provides vision through leadership efforts.
Recipients are nominated by their peers, and a committee of previous year recipients select up to six employees to receive the honor.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 UT Foundation President’s Award recipients.
Lydia Ball
Assistant Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations
UT Southern
Lydia Ball exemplifies collaboration, teamwork and a deep commitment to stewardship in her role at UT Southern. Her innovative contributions include launching the first UT Southern Gratitude Day, implementing a comprehensive stewardship plan and partnering with Central Services and other campuses to streamline processes for greater efficiency.
Lydia is a trusted resource on campus, known for fostering collaboration between advancement, athletics and academics. Her efforts to engage alumni and donors are enhanced by her active civic and community involvement. Through her warmth and focus on service, she sets the standard for customer care and exemplifies core values of honesty, respect and professionalism. Her leadership and vision continue to strengthen both UT Southern and the UT Foundation.
Terri Catafygioutu
Senior Director of Alumni Programs
UT Health Science Center
Terri Catafygioutu is the consummate professional whose passion for alumni engagement benefits all UT campuses. She is a dedicated and creative leader through every task, and she is known for her innovative problem-solving and strategic mindset. Terri consistently delivers thoughtful solutions that reflect her deep care for the UT Health Science Center and its alumni.
Beyond her campus, Terri offers support to System partners and Central Services, demonstrating her collaborative spirit and unwavering reliability. She is consistently praised for her commitment to teamwork and creating a positive culture. Terri’s servant leadership style makes her a valued, respected and trusted mentor and colleague.
Paul Clark
Executive Director of Development
UT Knoxville
Paul Clark has served in nearly every capacity in advancement, which makes him a trusted resource for his colleagues, campus leaders and donors. He works tirelessly to promote major gift fundraising priorities and alumni engagement initiatives for both UT Knoxville and the UT System. Maintaining a strategic focus, Paul is an exceptional fundraiser, cultivating relationships based upon honesty, integrity and authenticity.
Known for his generosity of time and spirit, Paul is quick to stop what he is doing to help a colleague or fellow campus. He is proud to serve as a resource for others and is a sought-after choice to serve on committee or lead as a mentor. His leadership and dedication to providing a customer centered, friendly approach to advancement has profoundly impacted the Foundation and the university community.
Ben Jones
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development & Planned Giving
UT Martin
Ben Jones understands and values the meaning of teamwork and collaboration. His thoughtful, strategic approach to cross-campus proposals has resulted in impactful, multi-campus projects that directly benefit students statewide.
Ben’s commitment to UT Martin extends beyond campus involvement. He is a trusted friend and advisor for colleagues, campus partners, donors and alumni. Every challenge before him is met with grace and insight, and as an emerging leader, Ben’s commitment to honest feedback, collaboration and continuous improvement has made him a trusted figure within the UT and UTFI communities.
Shuying Liu
Associate Director of Data Science
Central Services
Shuying Liu is well known throughout the Foundation for improving organizational and reporting processes. She plays a pivotal role in transforming UTFI’s data infrastructure and processes by taking the lead on critical projects. Challenges are met without hesitation, and Shu is eager to strategize with others to improve overall functionality and efficiency in our processes.
As a creative thinker, Shu balances best practices with business needs to create a solid foundation for data models, reports and dashboards. Her calm demeanor, responsiveness and accuracy have earned her the trust and respect of colleagues and campus partners alike, and her daily contributions strengthen the Foundation’s data-driven decision-making and organizational effectiveness.
Nancy Mullins
Assistant Director of Events
UT Chattanooga
Nancy Mullins brings excellence and mentorship in all she does through thoughtfully and professionally sharing event best practices and campus knowledge. She creates a positive culture where donors, alumni, colleagues and campus partners feel connected, and her warmth helps those around her feel at ease.
Nancy is quick to help others and continually goes above and beyond. She skillfully incorporates fundraising into events through strategic thinking and creative execution and sets the example of above standard hospitality for any donor visit, event or fundraiser. Nancy is a trusted colleague and a standard-bearer for donor engagement and campus pride.