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Posted: 9/13/18

Two TAMIU Faculty Members Receive Teaching, Scholarship and Leadership Awards

 

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Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) freshmen students helped congratulate two faculty recipients of the University’s most prestigious awards at the annual Fall Convocation Ceremony last week.

The Awards were part of an academic tradition which welcomes new freshmen to the world of academia with the start of each Fall semester.  University faculty join in the celebration. The Awards were presented by Dr. Pablo Arenaz, president, and Dr. Tom Mitchell, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Lola Norris, associate professor of Spanish was named recipient of the TAMIU Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award.  She delivered an inspiring message to the new students, challenging them to experience and excel.

Norris was selected among a nominated group of the University’s most exceptional classroom teachers from each College or School. 

Her nomination noted “Her greatest asset as a teacher is her empathy that allows her to forge meaningful connections with her students, facilitating an environment of deep learning.” 

Originally from Switzerland, she is multilingual and was one of TAMIU’s first Master of Arts in Spanish graduates.  She later earned her Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies at Texas A&M University, while continuing to teach TAMIU students. Her Cervantes and translation classes are among her most popular. Her Study Abroad classes to Europe and South America are also much in demand.

Dr. Ken Tobin, professor of Geology, was named recipient of the Senator Dr. Judith A. Zaffirini Faculty Award for Scholarship and Leadership.

The teacher, scholar and campus leader’s classes are among TAMIU’s most highly rated.  As a scientist, he is especially prolific, co-authoring some 32 referred articles, 4 book chapters, and numerous conference presentations.

He is a leader among research faculty in securing external grant funding exceeding $2 million and has also excelled in leadership positions  in the Faculty Senate.  He is now serving his second term as President of the Senate.

Though he earned a master’s degree at Tulane University in New Orleans, a doctorate at the University of Tennessee, and has taught at TAMIU for 17 years, he still bears the charming accent of his hometown, Boston, Mass.

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180.

University information is also available online at tamiu.edu and on its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Faculty Award Recipients
Dr. Pablo Arenaz, president (left) and Dr. Tom Mitchell, provost (right) congratulate Dr. Lola Norris, recipient of the 
TAMIU Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, and Dr. Dr. Ken Tobin,  recipient of the Senator Dr. Judith A. Zaffirini Faculty Award for Scholarship and Leadership.