TCU is preparing to honor its outstanding faculty and staff. Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin announced a refreshed university-wide awards program last year that aligns with TCU’s values of Integrity, Engagement, Community and Excellence, and the four honors join longstanding awards to recognize Horned Frogs for their dedication and impact, celebrating those who have played a vital role in the university’s growth and success in the past academic year. 

Several of the award winners will be announced at TCU’s Welcome & Opening Lunch on Aug. 21. Read on to learn about the awards and their finalists.

William E. Tucker Award for Integrity & Ethical Leadership
The William E. Tucker Award for Integrity & Ethical Leadership is named in honor of TCU’s eighth chancellor, who led TCU from 1979 through 1998. He is remembered for his extraordinary vision, integrity and servant leadership. The award recognizes an individual who displays acts of integrity and ethical leadership in their ongoing contributions to the success of TCU’s values-centered and mission-driven community. 

• Gina Jarman Hill, professor and department chair of nutritional sciences, Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering
• Joshua Kai, director of university immigration, International Student Services, Student Affairs
• Laura Shaw, director of business and operations, Student Affairs

Victor J. Boschini Jr. Staff Award for Outstanding Engagement
First established in 2003, the Victor J. Boschini Jr. Staff Award for Outstanding Engagement was newly named last year in honor of TCU’s 10^th chancellor. In celebration of his unwavering dedication to community engagement, this award recognizes a TCU staff member who goes above and beyond to contribute to the success of TCU through exemplary service and community engagement.

• Valerie DeSantis Bechtel, assistant dean for development – Davis College of Science & Engineering, University Advancement
• Rachelle Blackwell, associate vice chancellor, Human Resources
• Craig Carlson, director of computer systems, Information Technology
• Monica Flynn, executive assistant to the athletics director, TCU Athletics
• Travis Kramer, learning and technology manager for the Koehler Center for Teaching Excellence, Academic Affairs
• Maurice “Mo” Mull, hall director, Student Affairs
• Megan Murphey-Jones, director of marketing, Marketing & Communication 
• Hector Rodriguez, grounds supervisor, Finance & Administration

Charley & Kate Thorp Award for Advancing Community
The Charley & Kate Thorp Award for Advancing Community is named in honor of a formerly enslaved couple who were instrumental figures at AddRan Male and Female College in the 1800s. The college eventually became Texas Christian University. The Thorps were vital contributors to TCU’s early success and are remembered for their compassion and commitment to community. This award recognizes individuals for their commitment to advancing TCU’s connected community.

• Jasmine Jackson, assistant professor of political science, AddRan College of Liberal Arts
• Cynthia Savage, senior associate dean of undergraduate studies, academic innovation and accreditation, College of Education
• Tami Zeiner, education coordinator for the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, Davis College of Science & Engineering

Michael R. Ferrari Award for Excellence in University Service & Leadership
The Michael R. Ferrari Award for Excellence in University Service and Leadership was established by the TCU Board of Trustees to honor TCU’s 9^th chancellor, Dr. Michael R. Ferrari (1998-2003). Chancellor Ferrari is remembered for the lasting impact he had in shaping the university through The Commission on the Future of TCU. This annual award recognizes excellence in university service and leadership by a faculty or staff member at any level or in any administrative or academic unit of TCU.

• Muriel Cormican, associate dean of undergraduate studies and professor of German, AddRan College of Liberal Arts 
• Rhiannon Mayne, Oscar and Juanita Monnig Endowed Chair of Meteoritics and Planetary Science, Davis College of Science & Engineering,
• Jowelle Mitchell, assistant director of Student Support Services, STEM and health sciences, College of Education 

Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar
The Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar recognizes exceptional accomplishments of faculty members for their outstanding contributions to teaching and scholarship. The award was established to acknowledge the extraordinary creative teaching and high-quality research that occurs within the university's academic disciplines.

• Janace Bubonia, professor and associate dean for academic affairs, College of Fine Arts
• Brendan Lavy, associate professor of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Davis College of Science & Engineering
• Emily Lund, professor, Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Kathleen Kyzar, associate professor of Teaching and Learning Sciences, College of Education
• Barbara McClure, Christie Cozad Neuger Professor of Pastoral Theology and Practice, Brite Divinity School
• Julie O’Neil, professor and associate dean for graduate studies and administration, Bob Schieffer College of Communication
• Sarah Ruffing Robbins, Lorraine Sherley Professor of Literature, AddRan College
• Morgan Swink, professor and executive director for the Center for Supply Chain Innovation, Neeley School of Business

Maryrose and Dan Short Award for Teaching Excellence
The Maryrose and Dan Short Award for Teaching Excellence is specifically focused on exceptional untenured (tenure-track or non-tenure track), full-time faculty members with five years or less at TCU. Nominations from colleges and schools are submitted to academic deans, who select the top candidates to submit to the provost for final selection. This award was established by the late Dan Short, former dean of the Neeley School of Business, in memory of his wife, Maryrose Short. 

• Stephanie Cuellar, assistant professor of educational leadership and higher education, College of Education
• William Duke Greenhill, instructor of strategic communications, Schieffer College of Communication
• Ashley Lakoduk, instructor of biology, Davis College of Science & Engineering
• Timothy Earl Neill, instructor of graphic design, College of Fine Arts
• Norelis Rivera, assistant professor of professional practice of nursing, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
• Lan Anh Ton, assistant professor of marketing, Neeley School of Business
• Mat Wenzel, instructor of English, AddRan College of Liberal Arts

Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community
The Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community was established by Mark and Linda Wassenich to celebrate this defining characteristic of TCU for many generations. Alumni and students may nominate faculty and staff members who serve as role models, advisors and guides to students, and the winner is chosen by a committee of students, faculty and staff.

• Jean Marie Brown, associate professor of professional practice and director of Student Media Journalism, Schieffer College of Communication
• Meredith Curtis, instructor II and associate director of the Pre-Health Professions Institute, Davis College of Science & Engineering
• Clark Jones, senior instructor, Davis College of Science & Engineering