The University Honors program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana recently announced the recipients of its Teaching Excellence Awards for undergraduate teaching and mentorship at the University Honors Showcase on the A&M-Texarkana campus.
“One of the most exciting initiatives the University Honors program has put in place this year is the revival of Teaching Excellence Awards at A&M-Texarkana. As a university that prides itself on its commitment to quality teaching, we in the Honors program wanted to take the lead in recognizing faculty who truly go above and beyond for our students,” said Dr. Craig Nakashian, associate professor of history and director of the University Honors program.
“Nominations were open to the university community, and I was pleased to receive nominations from students, faculty, staff and administration. Judging was done by a committee comprised primarily of Honors program students and one alumnus from across the university.”
Award recipients included Dr. Doug Julien, associate professor of English, Mentorship Award; Dr. David Allard, professor of biology, Excellence in Teaching – tenured/tenure-track; and Chris Sinquefield, instructor of mathematics, Excellence in Teaching – non-tenure track.
In addition to the winners, nominees were Dr. Corrine Hinton, assistant professor of English; Dr. Tommie Hughes, associate professor of counseling and psychology; Dr. Sara Lawrence, assistant professor of educational psychology and director of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan; Dr. Brian Matthews, visiting assistant professor of management; Dr. Richard Parsons, assistant professor of economics and finance; and Dr. Angela Sikorski, associate professor of psychology.
During the event, University Honors students showcased their research projects completed during the year.
“The university academic honors program has taken the lead over the last several years to give an outlet for students and faculty who are interested in taking their teaching and learning to the next level,” Dr. Nakashian said. “Our students design and complete projects alongside faculty mentors in disciplines across campus, and many of them have presented their research both on and off campus. The showcase is a great opportunity for the university and broader community to engage with them.”
The mission of the University Honors program at A&M-Texarkana is to provide a community of exemplary scholars an enhanced and supportive learning environment responsible to the educational needs of both traditional and nontraditional students who are moved to pursue their education beyond typical course requirements. Honors students have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary activities including University Honors colloquia and seminars, increased opportunities for undergraduate research/creative activity, service learning and leadership opportunities, and participation in the Honors Society and extracurricular activities.
For more information, contact Dr. Nakashian at Craig.Nakashian@tamut.edu.
