A&M International Physics Professor Named Scholar of the Year

Texas A&M International University Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Michael Roth has been named the first recipient of the University Scholar of the Year award.

The award was bestowed during recent Spring Commencement ceremonies held at the University.

Dr. Roth received a golden medallion which will be worn as part of his academic regalia. He will also receive a small stipend and a designated reserved parking space.

Roth was one of four College Scholars nominated for the award from each of the University's College faculties and represented the College of Science and Technology. The selection committee was chaired by Dr. Larry Boyd, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Other College Scholar award recipients were Dr. Cecilia Garza, Assistant Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Humanities; Dr. Balasundram Maniam, Associate Professor of Finance, College of Business Administration; and Dr. Linda Medearis, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, College of Education.

The College Scholar of the Year recipients were selected by a College Selection Committee appointed by the Dean of the College. Selections were based on the candidate's teaching, scholarship, service and collegiality, and student and peer evaluations.

The College Scholar of the Year Award and University Scholar of the Year award were developed by the University's faculty organization, the Faculty Senate, to annually recognize outstanding professionalism among the members of the University faculty.

Dr. Stephen E. Lunce, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Faculty Senate President, explained that the awards provide a public recognition for exceptional professionalism, as it is defined by colleagues, peers and fellow professors.

"Exceptional professionalism is measured by different criteria in different disciplines. It may be recognized by publication in scholarly journals, through performance arts, through curricular development, or it may be recognized by the successes of the scholar's students. However, regardless of how it is measured, it is extremely important that outstanding professionalism be recognized," Dr. Lunce said.

Roth holds a B.S. and Ph.D. from Colorado State University.

For more information on A&M International's University Scholar of the Year award, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 326. 2180.

University office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu