The O. A. Grant Teaching Award recognizes Tarleton faculty members who have had a profound effect on the lives and careers of Tarleton students. The award is named for Dr. O.A. Grant, who joined the Tarleton faculty in 1948 and served as head of the Department of Social Sciences from 1967 to 1976. He was the first Tarleton faculty member to receive the Piper Award for outstanding teaching. One recipient from each academic college will be recognized. The recipients of the O.A. Grant Teaching Award from each academic college will form the pool of nominees for the Jack and Louise Arthur Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Eligibility Criteria:
-Demonstrated record of exceptional and innovative instruction;
-Full-time faculty appointment, or faculty member with no more than a 50% administrative appointment;
-Three years of teaching experience at Tarleton State University;
-Must not have received this award within the past five years; and,
-Individuals may not self-nominate.

Mr. Ronnie Zoch (2025) – CKSS College of Kinesiology & Sport Science (CKSS established 12/23/25)

Dr. Jarrod Schenewark (2023) – CoHS

Dr. Sharon Tiffany Bowers (2020) – CoE

Dr. Chet Martin (2014) – CoE

Dr. Wendell Sadler (2009) – CoE

Dr. Steve Simpson (2006) – CoE

Dr. Joe Gillespie (2002) – CoE

The Barry B. Thompson Service Award is given annually to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding service to students, the campus community, and significant contributions to student-faculty interactions outside the classroom. Created in 1997, the award is named for Dr. Barry B. Thompson, former president of Tarleton State University and Chancellor-Emeritus of the Texas A&M University System. Dr. Thompson was widely known for his ‘open door’ policy as well as his high level of commitment to students during his almost 10 years as Tarleton’s president.

Eligibility Criteria:
-Demonstrated record of exemplary support and service to students;
-Demonstrated record of exemplary service to the campus community;
-Evidence of significant contributions to student-faculty interactions outside the classroom;
-At least three years of service at Tarleton State University;
-Full-time faculty appointment, or faculty member with no more than a 50% administrative appointment; and
-Must not have received this award within the past five years.

Dr. Rachel Elms (2025) – CKSS College of Kinesiology & Sport Science (CKSS established 12/23/25)

Dr. Tom Tallach (2024) – CoHS

Dr. Sharon Tiffany Bowers (2023) – CoHS

Ms. Stephanie Nelson (2021) – CoE

Ms. Amy McKay (2020) – CoE

Dr. Joe Priest (2018) – CoE

Ms. Penny Wright (2017) – CoE

Dr. Steve Simpson (2007) – CoE

The Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award was established in 2003 to recognize a Tarleton State University faculty member who has shown exemplary performance, scholarly, or creative activities.

Evidence of scholarly or creative activity includes:
Published or presented research, such as:
Authored books and/or journal articles;
Authored monographs or book chapters;
Scholarly paper presentations of conducted or published research;
Collaborative research involving faculty and/or student colleagues;
State, national, or international level seminars, workshops, or comparable creative activities; and,
Shows, recitals, recordings, or musical performances, or lighting, set, or costume design

Eligibility Criteria:
Evidence of exceptional scholarly or creative work within the field;
At least three years of service at Tarleton State University;
Full-time faculty appointment, or a faculty member with no more than a 50% administrative appointment, and
Must not have received this award within the past five years.

Dr. Christina Villalon (2025) – CKSS College of Kinesiology & Sport Science (CKSS established 12/23/25)

Dr. Colin Pennington (2021) – CoE

Dr. Joe Priest (2017) – CoE

Dr. Jennifer Blevins (2014) – CoE

Dr. Kayla Peak (2011) – CoE

Dr. Wendell Sadler (2006) – CoE

The Faculty Excellence in Student Success Award was established in 2012 in recognition of a faculty member’s extraordinary efforts to increase student success.

Evidence of such efforts may include:
Enhancing opportunities for students to engage meaningfully in the academic experience;
Providing extraordinary support for student academic achievement;
Encouraging students to realize personal growth and individual potential;
Providing students with additional academic support outside of class;
Engaging in professional development with the goal of improving student success;
Employing highly effective teaching practices that provide active learning opportunities for students;
Mentoring students “above and beyond” the typical scheduling of classes.

Eligibility Criteria:
-Evidence of exemplary efforts to promote and increase student success;
-At least three years of service at Tarleton State University;
-Full-time faculty appointment, or a faculty member with no more than a 50% administrative appointment, and
-Must not have received this award within the past five years.

Ms. Leticia Carr (2025) – CKSS College of Kinesiology & Sport Science (CKSS established 12/23/25)

Dr. Chet Martin (2022) – CoHS

Ms. Stephanie Nelson (2020) – CoE

Ms. Amy McKay (2015) – CoE

Engaged scholarship involves the broader community and is intended to address issues related to civic life and the greater public good. The Engaged Scholarship Award is given in recognition of exemplary engaged scholarship and leadership by a faculty member.

Eligibility Criteria:
Full-time faculty appointment, or faculty member with no more than a 50% administrative appointment. Each nominee should exhibit exemplary engaged scholarship in one or more of the following areas:
-Students’ civic learning
-Community-based research
-Reciprocal community partnerships
-Service learning and civic engagement
-Contributions to the public good and societal impact.
Submission Materials
-Completed Nomination form (detailing the criteria listed above);
-Brief CV; and,
-Two letters of nomination (one from the Department Head or Dean)

Dr. Craig Hermans (2025) – CKSS College of Kinesiology & Sport Science (CKSS established 12/23/25)

Dr. Jarrod Schenewark (2022) – CoHS

Dr. Tom Tallach (2020) – CoE

Dr. Sharon Tiffany Bowers (2019) – CoE

Dr. Steve Simpson (2018) – CoE

Ms. Misti Reisman (2016) – CoE

The Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarly or creative activities, and service by a faculty member beginning an academic career. The award is given on the basis of cumulative achievement since joining the faculty at Tarleton.

Eligibility Criteria:
-Full-time faculty who have been
-In a faculty role at Tarleton for no more than five years
-In a faculty role for no more than seven years
-Outstanding achievement in teaching, research/creative endeavor, and service at the junior faculty level.
-Submission Materials
-Completed nomination form;
-CV; and,
-At least two letters of nomination (one from the Department Head or Dean)

Dr. Alejandra Barrera-Curiel (2025) – CKSS College of Kinesiology & Sport Science (CKSS established 12/23/25)

Dr. Christina Villalon (2024) – CoHS

Dr. Mike Luera (2021) – CoE

Dr. Kelsey McEntyre (2019) – CoE

Dr. Andy Wolfe (2018) – CoE

Dr. Jennifer Lancaster (2015) – CoE