UCF School of Visual Arts and Design celebrates its 2025 Founders’ Day honorees.
Every year on the first Wednesday of April, UCF celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of its employees, faculty and students during an event known as Founders’ Day. This year, ten individuals from UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design have been selected as honorees.
The honorees are:
Hadi Abbas
Faculty Service Award, 30 Years
Hadi Abbas is a professor of studio art and the area coordinator for the ceramics program at SVAD. His research as an artist and educator focuses on atmospheric kiln firing, and he has designed and built various types of kilns, including gas, salt, wood, luster and stained-glass kilns. Abbas’ work has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions regionally, nationally, and internationally, and has been featured in numerous publications. His expertise has enhanced SVAD’s ceramics program, providing students with the opportunity to learn from a dedicated professional in the field.
Waheeda Illasarie
Staff Service Award, 20 Years
Waheeda Illasarie is the assistant director of academic programs at SVAD, where she oversees services that support the school’s undergraduate programs, including academic and career advising, course scheduling and curriculum management. Illasarie is a UCF alumnus, having earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies (now interdisciplinary studies) and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Her compassion and dedication to helping others shine through, making her a positive influence on students, faculty and staff alike.
Joo Kim
Retired and Retiring Faculty Award
Joo Kim has been a valued member of the UCF community since 1999, initially serving as an assistant professor and later becoming an associate professor of studio art in SVAD in 2005, until her recent retirement. She earned her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in design communication and has received numerous accolades, including the UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty Award. She also contributed to professional development opportunities and participated in national and international art exhibitions. Kim played a pivotal role in the growth and development of SVAD and the studio art program, leaving a lasting impact on the department.
Janki Maraj
Staff Service Award, 20 Years
Janki Maraj is the administrative assistant III at SVAD, where she provides crucial support to the Director, Associate Director, and Assistant Director of SVAD in all aspects of their administrative responsibilities. Janki oversees the daily operations of SVAD and supervises all front office staff. Janki brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to the school and serves as a source of wisdom, particularly when navigating unexpected or challenging situations. Her knowledge of the school, college, and university is invaluable, earning her the respect of peers, administrators, and students.
Joe Muley
Staff Service Award, 20 Years
Joe Muley serves as SVAD’s academic support services manager, where he oversees the facilities and technology that support faculty, staff and student productivity and success. He manages a variety of labs including the woodshop, computer labs, and laser cutter, used by students across SVAD programs. In addition, Muley collaborates with SVAD’s marketing specialist to promote and develop logistics for major university events, such as Art Knight! and UCF Celebrates the Arts. Known for his positive attitude, sense of humor and adaptable nature, Joe’s energy is truly infectious. A strong advocate for teamwork and collaboration, he always knows how to brighten someone’s day with a smile.
Carla Poindexter
Faculty Service Award, 25 Years
Carla Poindexter is a professor of studio art teaching intermediate and advanced painting, drawing, design, and book arts, and plays an active role in the growth of the BFA and MFA programs at SVAD. Her studio work spans painting, drawing, still-life photography, printmaking and book arts. Poindexter has exhibited widely for over 25 years, with works in commercial, educational, and public galleries across the U.S., and has received numerous honors throughout her career. Her commitment to helping students reach their full potential is exceptional, and SVAD is fortunate to have her as part of the team.
Kevin Haran
Faculty Service Award, 30 Years
Kevin Haran is a professor of studio art and the administrator of the UCF Art in State public art program. Haran is a UCF alum, earning his B.F.A. in studio art and a B.A. in art history, as well as an M.F.A. in painting + drawing from the University of Tennessee. His studio work has been featured in over 80 national and international juried exhibitions. Inspired by science fiction, current events, and childhood memories, Haran combines line, watercolor, and ink washes to create pieces with dimension and depth. Haran’s kindness and commitment to supporting others are evident, and SVAD is fortunate to have him on the team.
Robert Reedy
Retired and Retiring Faculty Award
Robert Reedy served as a professor of ceramics and 3D design from 1993 to 2024. His artistic practice is deeply rooted in the acceptance of individuality and the exploration of personal expression. His work is a balance between intellect and superstition, science and magic, and the contrasting influences of New York and Mississippi – two places that have profoundly shaped his outlook. Reedy holds an M.F.A. from the University of Mississippi. His vibrant spirit, combined with his knowledge and passion, has made him an inspiring presence and a vital asset to the SVAD team.
Chase Scholze
Undergraduate College Founders’ Award
Chase Scholze is a senior undergraduate studying architecture at UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design. He serves as the 2024-2025 president of the UCF Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Scholze has also worked as a lab technician at the UCF Architecture Studio. He will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Design in Architecture. Afterward, he will join HKS Architects in Orlando and pursue graduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.
Margaret Zaho
Faculty Service Award, 20 Years
Margaret Zaho is an associate professor of art history at UCF, with affiliate faculty roles in Medieval and Renaissance Studies and SVAD Graduate Studies. She holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Art History, and her research focuses on Italian Renaissance fresco cycles, triumphal imagery, Roman Baroque ceiling frescoes, and Roman Imperial arches. Zaho has also studied the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, painted paliotti in Florence’s Santa Spirito, and Renaissance portraiture in Italy and Spain. Her contributions to research and teaching have earned her recognition in the UCF community.