Posted on April 19, 2021 by Amanda Cerreto
April 21, 2021 — The University Excellence Awards program celebrates the achievements of Roadrunner faculty and staff, ranging from exceptional teaching and innovative research to exemplary team spirit and impactful advocacy.
The following faculty and staff members took home awards for their service and commitment to UTSA and the College for Health, Community and Policy.
Alexander Testa
President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence
These awards are to recognize, encourage and reward accomplished faculty whose command of their respective disciplines, teaching methodologies, communication skills and commitment to learning translate into a superior learning experience for students. These awards are aimed at faculty who maintain high expectations and standards for their students, ensuring academic rigor, while meeting the challenges of motivating students and helping them develop into educated, ethical and responsible citizens.
Johnelle Sparks
President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for University Service | Tenured & Tenure-Track
This award is to recognize, encourage and reward those tenured and tenure-track faculty who are exemplary in their commitment to service within the university whose service has had major impact on the opportunities, lives and future of UTSA students by providing leadership in critical areas such as advising students; student, department, college and university committee service; and/or creating new student programs and opportunities.
Liset Leal-Vasquez
President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Community Engagement | Fixed-Term-Track
This award is to recognize, encourage and reward those faculty who are exemplary in their service and civic scholarship outside of the university, providing leadership and making significant contributions to the public good. This award recognizes the importance of continuous contributions to the external community that create sustainable connections with the university, elevate the civic mission of the institution and provide measured impacts on community needs.
Megan Augustyn
President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Research Achievement | Tenured
This award is to recognize, encourage and reward faculty who have conducted a sustained program of high-quality, high-impact research that has translated into national and international recognition and has made a substantial contribution to the faculty member's field.
Ephrem Fernandez
Richard S. Howe Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students Award
The Richard S. Howe Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students Award was established in 2002 through a gift to the university by
Mrs. Walter W. McAllister Jr.
and is named in honor of longtime engineering professor
Richard S. Howe
. This award is presented to
faculty or staff
members who have shown exemplary commitment towards UTSA undergraduates. The recipients of this award must have demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and/or service to undergraduate students, served as an advocate for undergraduate education and engaged in activities to promote student access and success.
Amy Manning-Thompson
Order of the Roadrunner
The Order of the Roadrunner Award will be given to an individual who demonstrates exemplary service and commitment to UTSA and the achievement of its goals through his or her actions throughout the year. This individual has enhanced the quality of work-life in ways that significantly increase productivity and efficiency for colleagues or customers to include developing creative solutions; provided outstanding and ongoing excellence in services to faculty, staff, students, and/or other UTSA customers. This is the highest honor that a UTSA staff member can receive for his or her dedication to the UTSA community.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners!
— Amanda Cerreto
