Dear Colleagues,
While October may be the month for 鈥渢ricks and treats,鈥� it is also an opportunity to recognize your achievements.
Last week, I was on hand to celebrate our Faculty Excellence Awards recipients during a wonderful event at Wortham House! The weather could not have been more pleasant as we handed out beautiful crystal trophies鈥攁nd one very heavy Cougar Farfel Award鈥攖o our faculty. This is one of the University鈥檚 most anticipated events, and it took on a great new look at Wortham House. I鈥檇 like to thank President Khator for hosting us, as well as Special Events, Faculty Affairs, and members of my office, who worked diligently to ensure a truly special evening.
Speaking of anticipated events, we will host the third annual Fall Faculty Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at TDECU Stadium鈥檚 ! If you attended last year鈥檚 event, you鈥檒l recall that this is a fun, festive occasion with refreshments, entertainment, and, best of all, great company.
Last year, we handed out to professors with 10 or more years of continuous full-time service. At this event,
they will be available to faculty who have not picked them up yet, as well as full-time
professors who have just completed 10 continuous years of service as of Sept, 1, 2026.
If you have reached another 10-year milestone since last year (20, 30, 40 years or
more), you can receive a 10-Year Bar that can be pinned to your medallion鈥檚 ribbon.
The recent awards ceremony and upcoming celebration are just a few of the ways we honor faculty excellence on campus. These events are also outstanding opportunities to meet colleagues from other colleges and learn more about their work.
Each day, I discover new and exciting things about your research, awards, grants, community engagement projects, and more. It is inspiring to witness your passion and productivity, and it is my distinct pleasure to celebrate your successes.
Your hard work is elevating both our institution and our students. Thank you for all that you do, and I look forward to seeing you at the Fall Faculty Celebration!
Diane