TAMIU Annual Report 2021

TAMIU’s Fall University Convocation recognized stellar faculty and community partners in a live and livestreamed ceremony. 2021 Awards to University faculty were presented alongside the Senator Judith Zaffirini Leadership Medal Award, and the University’s Innovador Award. Receiving the University’s Instructional Technology Excellence Award was Dr. Jared R. Dmello, assistant professor, College of Arts and Sciences for his initiative in constantly enhancing student learning and engagement. The Outstanding Teacher Award was presented to Dr. Hayley D. Kazen, assistant professional, University College. Her innovative teaching style, student-centered classroom and global outreach has seen her lead students around the world. The Distinguished Teacher Award was received by Dr. Fei Luo, assistant professor, College of Arts and Sciences. Her students say she is dedicated, passionate, and caring…and works with them patiently until they succeed. Distinguished Scholar of the Year Award was earned by Dr. Deepak Ganta, associate professor, School of Engineering. An active and highly productive scholar, he has published 24 peer-reviewed journal research articles. President Dr. Pablo Arenaz presented the Senator Judith Zaffirini Leadership Medal Award to Dr. Lola Norris, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences. It recognizes a faculty member’s meritorious service and exemplary leadership while researching their area of expertise. “Dr. Norris has long been involved in TAMIU’s Language, Literature, and Translation programs. As Faculty Senate president of the Faculty Senate, she was the voice of the faculty, shared their concerns and made significant contributions to the discussion of difficult topics as we traversed the Pandemic,” Dr. Arenaz noted. The University’s Innovador Award was created in 2019 to recognize an individual or organization making a lasting impact on education, particularly higher education in Laredo/South Texas. The 2021 Innovador Award was presented to The Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation Trustees Bob and Shirley González. “The Foundation’s mission assists worthy charities in art, charitable, educational, health, historical, public safety, scientific, and religious purposes. Shirley and Bob certainly have fulfilled that mission at TAMIU in several ways. Most significantly, their love of travel and interest in providing such learning opportunities for TAMIU students has provided Study Abroad scholarships,” Dr. Arenaz noted. For a Video of the Ceremony, including the President’s State of the University address, visit: go.tamiu.edu/faculty-awards21 UNIVERSITY AWARDS RECOGNIZE FACULTY & COMMUNITY PARTNERS Left to right: Dr. Tom Mitchell recognizes Dr. Jared R. Dmello, Dr. Hayley D. Kazen, Dr. Fei Luo, Dr. Deepak Ganta. At right, Dr. Pablo Arenaz congratulates Dr. Lola Norris. FACULTY 15