STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014 Tarleton State University recognized a slate of faculty and staff in its annual award ceremony at the Barry B. Thompson Student Center ballrooms on Monday, April 27. Awardees are nominated by colleagues and recognized annually for their commitment to the university\u2019s values and institutional excellence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Jean Lonie, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Industries, was honored with the Barry B. Thompson Service Award, named for the 13th President of Tarleton State and former Chancellor-Emeritus of The Texas A&M System. The award is presented annually to faculty in recognition of excellent service to students. Dr. Lonie was lauded for her dedication to experiential learning and student networking opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s Engaged Faculty Award, presented to faculty who demonstrate active service-based work or civic advancement, went to Dr. Crystal Rose, Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Rose was honored for her ongoing work in community-based research, including partnerships with rural school districts and service-learning projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Christina Villalon, Assistant Professor in the College of Kinesiology and Sport Science, received the Faculty Excellence in Scholarship Award, honoring faculty members who demonstrate exemplary scholarly, creative or performance activity. Colleagues hailed Villalon\u2019s research and work as Director of the Sport IMPACT Lab, which works to support sports practitioners through scholarship, applied learning experiences and community engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Faculty Excellence in Student Success Award, recognizing a faculty member\u2019s dedication to student achievement, was presented to Dr. A. Brant Poe, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Colleagues of Dr. Poe applauded his active presence in student advising and extracurricular activities, empowering students to reach their professional and academic goals as the department\u2019s internship coordinator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One faculty member from each academic college is recognized annually with the O.A. Grant Teaching Award. These recipients then form the nominee pool for the Jack and Louise Arthur Award for Excellence in Teaching. Kirk Wise, Senior Instructor for Sports Communication, was awarded the honor for his commitment to student and departmental success, including leading discussion-based learning and shaping the sports communication curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarleton State faculty in the beginning stages of their academic career are honored with the Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award. Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Amanda Brown, who joined Tarleton State in 2023, was recognized for her ability to inspire student curiosity and scholarly research on infectious diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. John Calahan, named Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents in 2026, dedicated more than five decades to Tarleton State University, joining in 1974 and rising to professor and department head while helping expand the Biological Sciences department and its academic programs. His research in plant physiology earned support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture, and his mentorship impacted generations of students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Staff kept the momentum going as they were celebrated across their respective award categories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Excellence Award, honoring staff members for exemplary problem-solving, resourcefulness and innovation, was presented to Assistant Director of Planning, Design and Construction Chad Evans, CRM Specialist Chandler Guettler and Senior Director of University Scholarships Shawndi Wilson. Dalton Lawing was awarded the Graduate Assistant of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional quality of work and continued professionalism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For their contributions to an ethical and accountable environment, Academic Advisor Faith Bernard, Full Stack Developer Kyle Boatright and Farm Foreman Eudoro Magana received the Integrity Award. Career Services Director Kim Mitchell was presented with the Presidential Staff Award, recognizing those who display relentless dedication to Tarleton State and to their position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s Respect Award was presented to academic advisors Alyson Fields and Dr. Austin Loignon and Human Resources Business Partner Semoine Pearson, commending their commitment to fostering a mutually respectful and collaborative environment. Student Technician II Kasenia Hipsh was awarded Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year, nominated by colleagues for her professionalism and initiative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrew Huf, recipient of the Distinguished Staff Award from the Tarleton Alumni Association, was recognized for his service and leadership at Tarleton State University and in the Stephenville community. A dedicated alumnus, he has supported student success as an adjunct instructor and recruiter and has contributed to fundraising efforts that have generated significant scholarship support. He remains actively involved in local organizations, reflecting a strong commitment to service, integrity and pride in Tarleton State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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