Accolades for Faculty
Piper Professors
Fifteen awards are made annually to professors across Texas for superior teaching at the college level. Awards are made to nominees submitted by each college or university in the State of Texas. Application are by invitation only and based on the recommendation of the nominating University. The College of Liberal Arts has honored 11 professors with this award.
Presidential Awards
The Texas State Faculty Awards Program makes selections annually for Presidential Awards recognizing Excellence in Service, Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities, and Excellence in Teaching. Awards honor superior service and models of excellence and inspire faculty to develop and improve scholarly/creative activities, teaching skills, and service.
Dean’s Golden Apples and Excellence Awards
Each year the Dean of Liberal Arts distributes awards to recognize and encourage Liberal Arts faculty for their achievements in scholarly / creative activities, teaching, and service. Golden Apples are awarded to faculty who are nominated for Presidential Awards and receive the highest votes at Liberal Arts Council during the nominating process.
The Everette Swinney Faculty Senate Awards for Teaching Excellence
Each year three faculty selected by Texas State as potential nominees for the Piper Award (see above) receive the Everette Swinney Faculty Senate Excellence in Teaching Award.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus
The title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus is awarded to extraordinary faculty members who are retiring or retired to recognize their exemplary service to Texas State. Normally no more than three individuals will be named as Distinguished Professor Emeritus in any year. Past recipients can be viewed here.
Alumni Teaching Award
Through this award, the Texas State Alumni Association recognizes, encourages, and rewards superior Texas State classroom teachers. Texas State professors, lecturers, associate professors, assistant professors, and instructors are eligible.
Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities
This three-year professorship, supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, offers the opportunity for its holder to engage in projects that promote the humanities at Texas State and surrounding communities. Dr. Louie Dean Valencia, Center for Texas Public History Director and Associate Professor of Digital History, holds this position unitl 2027.
Jones Professorship in Southwestern Studies
As part of a National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant, the Houston Endowment funded the Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Southwestern Studies. The Jones Professor of Southwestern Studies teaches the Southwestern Studies courses with the Director of the Center for the Study of the Southwest, works on publications, helps organize and present symposia, and assists with other regional projects. Dr. Sarah Blue, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, holds this position until 2027.
Mariel Muir Mentoring Award
The awards will be given to persons who provide exceptional support of and show exceptional commitment to assisting less experienced individuals in becoming more proficient in professional activities. The awardees will be recognized as role models in providing advice, guidance, and information which fosters the growth and development of co-workers and/or students. Two awards will be presented each year, one to a faculty member and one to a staff member.
Jesse H. Jones Distinguished Chair in Geographic Education
This endowed chair, the only one in Geographic Education in the nation, is currently held by Dr. Richard G. Boehm.
Jerome H. and Catherine E. Supple Professorship in Southwestern Studies
This endowed chair is held by Dr. John Mckiernan-González who specializes in Mexican American History, Latino Studies, Social and Cultural History of Medicine, and Immigration History.
Hobby Chair in Public Service
This endowed chair is held by Dr. Howard Balanoff, Director of the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service.