Ekaterina Mozhaeva receives 2026 Dean's Award of Merit

Ekaterina Mozhaeva, events and communications officer in the Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS), is the recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Award of Merit.

Presented annually by the School of Humanities and Sciences, the award recognizes staff members whose outstanding contributions have made a meaningful impact on their local unit as well as the school and university.

For more than seven years, Mozhaeva has played a central role in supporting CEAS through her leadership in events, communications, and financial administration. Letters written in support of her nomination from staff, students, and faculty across campus emphasized her institutional knowledge, steady judgment, and commitment to collaboration—qualities that invigorate not only her home center but the entire Stanford Global Studies Division (SGS).

“Ekaterina is an engaged, considerate colleague who is always looking for ways to strengthen processes in service of both her local unit and the broader campus community,” wrote staff from SGS Central in a joint letter. “In every respect, Ekaterina embodies the values this award seeks to honor.”

Mozhaeva is widely recognized as an exceptional event manager and communications professional. She oversees a broad portfolio of CEAS programming with professionalism and creativity, while continually identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and share best practices.

In addition to her operational expertise, nominators highlighted Mozhaeva’s reliability, dedication, and generosity as defining qualities of her work.

"Ekaterina is not only a stellar member of East Asian Studies; her steady presence is felt throughout Global Studies,” wrote one colleague. “As a long-standing team member, her institutional memory is invaluable, and she is consistently generous in sharing her knowledge with new staff. In meetings, she brings a thoughtful, calm, and fact-based perspective. She does not make promises she cannot keep. She is reliable and dedicated, and we deeply appreciate her willingness to serve as a source of guidance and support for colleagues across the division.” 

Another nominator shared, “Ekaterina is as close to the ideal colleague as we have encountered in our years here at Stanford. In everything she does, and with every interaction, she embodies the spirit of generosity, from her knowledge and experience to her time assisting her colleagues and other programs in the division.”

Beyond her formal responsibilities, Mozhaeva is known for stepping in wherever needed—whether mentoring new staff, contributing to division-wide initiatives, or helping colleagues navigate complex administrative systems. Her collaborative approach has made her a valued resource for staff across campus, who frequently turn to her for wisdom and support.

Congratulations, Ekaterina!

The Dean’s Award of Merit originated in the School of Humanities & Sciences in 1999 to acknowledge the important role staff play in the success of the school and the university as a whole. Mozhaeva is one of several recipients of this year’s award.