Carolina Center for Public Service, Water Over the Bridge Project
Endeavors Research Video and Feature Article “Water Over the Bridge” 2017 by Alyssa LaFaro 
Coastal Review “Climate Change Threatens Economy” 2017 by Brad Rich
APPLES Course Development Award for “Rising Waters” Service-Learning Course: 2017
Wednesday Women in Science Profile: 2017
North Caroliniana Society: 2015
Global Research Institute Fellowship: 2013-2015
APPLES Service-Learning 25th Anniversary Faculty Excellence Award: 2015
Documentary Photography Work in Panama “Willis Captures the Bigger Picture of the Panama Canal Expansion :2013
The Panama City skyline was built by global shipping. Wall of containers as seen from the roof of the Port of Balboa. Photo by Rachel Willis
Mellon MURAP Faculty Fellowship: 2011, 2006, 1996, 1995
GSK Fellowship, Institute for Emerging Issues, NCSU: 2009
Kauffman Faculty Fellowship at the IAH: 2007
Hmong Student Association of Carolina Best Advisor Award: 2005
Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees Awards: 2002 and 2000
United Hmong Association of NC Award: 2002
Student Undergraduate Teaching Award: 2001, 1994
Carolina Center for Public Service Robert E. Bryan Award: 2000
Honorary Member of Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies:2000
APPLES Service-Learning Faculty Award (Ten Years): 2000
The Order of the Grail-Valkyries: 2000
Senior Class Faculty Award, Jefferson Cup 6 times: 1991—2001
The Order of the Golden Fleece: 1997
Women’s Issues Network Award: 1997
The William C. Friday Award for Excellence in Teaching: 1997
Town of Chapel Hill Appreciation Award:1996
Student Affairs Disabilities Teaching Excellence Award:1991
Outstanding Professor Award, UNC Economics Association: 1990, 1991
Thorp Faculty Engaged Scholar: 2016-2018, Graduation