STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State College of Science and Mathematics 2023 Annual Award recipients enjoy professional success as leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Awards were presented in early March.

“This year’s honorees demonstrate the wide range of career paths available with a STEM education from Tarleton,” said Dr. Michael Huggins, Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “They inspire our current students and testify of our exceptional educational experiences.” 

As part of the awards program, several recipients participated in a panel discussion, reviewing career opportunities and sharing their professional journeys with current STEM students and faculty.

Ed and Welba Dorsey received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, given for direct financial support or gifts in kind to the college. Ed, a 1964 Tarleton graduate, is a retired Vice President of Alcon Labs. In 1997 the couple established the Edwin D. and Welba C. Dorsey Academic Scholarship Endowment, which awards more than $10,000 in scholarships annually. 

Alumni of the Year honors, given to graduates with distinguished career accomplishments, went to Dr. Alfie Pino and Ted Pettijohn. Pino, a 1999 Tarleton graduate, is a physician and co-founder of Allied Anesthesiology and Nucleus Healthcare Group. Pettijohn, from the Class of 1983, is President of Arcanum and Raven Butene-1.

Warren Bluntzer, Cody Yarborough and Doug Meador were named Outstanding Alumni for sustained distinguished accomplishments and contributions to society. Bluntzer is a 1971 graduate; Yarborough, Class of ’87, is the CEO of Lifestyle Biotechnologies; and Meador, a 1998 graduate, is Chief Operating Officer – Commodities and Finance for Macquarie Group. 

Young Alumni Awards were presented to Sam Kieschnik, a 2005 and 2008 graduate now working as an urban biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and 2009 graduate Justin Russell, a partner with Prensorus Energy. The award highlights alumni who have exhibited dedication, commitment and service to the College of Science and Mathematics.

Honored with the Professional Achievement Award were Brent Walker, Class of 1987, and 1980 graduate Kristi Kennedy. Walker is the Chief Medical Officer for BS&W Health Texas Provider Network, and Kennedy is a partner at Central Tax Leader at RSM US. Walker and Kennedy received their awards for remarkable professional achievement and dedication to their community and the university.

Former mathematics professors Joe Cude and Dwayne Snider received the Retired Faculty Award, which recognizes former College of Science and Mathematics colleagues who continue to support Tarleton, the college and the students.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.