East Texas A&M Faculty Members Recognized at Awards Luncheon

On April 22, the East Texas A&M University Faculty Senate combined efforts with the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) to host a luncheon at which multiple faculty members received recognition for their service in teaching and research. The luncheon was held at the Sam Rayburn Student Center.

While they dined, attendees were addressed by University President Mark Rudin and Provost and Vice President for Academic of Affairs Tammi Vacha-Haase, followed by a keynote address delivered by Dr. Allan Headley, a professor of chemistry at East Texas A&M.

The awards were distributed as follows:

2025 TABPHE Awards

Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Awards

Awardees for the “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award were nominated by their department head because for exceptional work in their evaluated areas of teaching, research scholarly activities and service within their first four years at East Texas A&M.

• Dr. Anissa Guerin, Associate Professor, Higher Education and Learning Technologies
• Dr. Sharonda Pruitt, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership

2025 Faculty Senate Awards

Regents Professor Nominee

Nominations for the Regents Professor are submitted by East Texas A&M to the vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. Nominations are based on the A&M System's guidelines and criteria, which include consideration of the nominee's outstanding record of teaching, research and other scholarly activity.

• Dr. Tracy B. Henley, Professor, Psychology and Special Education

Paul W. Barrus Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching

This annual award recognizes individuals who have performed in an outstanding manner in teaching.

• Dr. Laura E. Slay, Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction
• Dr. Jessica Stearns, Assistant Professor, Music
• Dr. Kelin Loe, Assistant Professor, Literature and Languages

H.M. Lafferty Distinguished Faculty Award for Scholarship and Creative Activity

This annual award recognizes outstanding performance in scholarship and creative activity.

• Dr. Sang C. Suh, Regents Professor, Computer Science and Information Systems

Neil Humfeld Distinguished Faculty Award for Service

This annual award recognizes an individual who has performed in an outstanding manner in service to the university, academic college and/or department.

• Dr. Maggie R. Pfeiffer Salem, Assistant Professor, College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources

2025 Faculty Senate Awards for Professional Excellence

Teaching

• Classroom Award – Dr. Srinivas Nippani, Regents Professor, Accounting and Finance
• Technology Award – Dr. Andrew M. Garcia, Assistant Professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice
• Innovation Award – Dr. Grace Flusche Ogden, Assistant Professor, Agronomy

Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity

• “Unfettered Thought” – Dr. Laurence A. Angel, Professor, Chemistry
• “Ceaseless Industry” – Dr. Shifang Tang, Assistant Professor, Psychology and Special Education
• “Fearless Investigation” – Dr. Gerald L. Fudge, Assistant Professor, Engineering and Technology

Service Activity

• Professional Service – Dr. Ashanka Kumari, Associate Professor, Literature and Languages
• University Service – Dr. Karen Roggenkamp, Professor, Literature and Languages
• Community Service – Dr. Andrew C. Baker, Associate Professor, History

TABPHE is a statewide educational association that represents all levels of higher education and works to ensure a better educational system for all. The organization distributes annual scholarships to students and awards to higher education faculty. For more information, contact Dr. Lavelle Hendricks.

East Texas A&M University proudly acknowledges the hard work and expertise of its teachers. To see more about the Faculty Senate and TABPHE Luncheon, enjoy the photo gallery.