Dear Colleagues: 

It is my pleasure to announce the 2025 honorees for the Presidential Seminar Awards and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities, Excellence in Teaching, and Excellence in Service. These awards are given annually to faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance in scholarship, outstanding performance in teaching, or outstanding performance in service.

Presidential Seminar Awards

Dr. Rhonda Balzarini, Department of Psychology

Dr. Andrea Banzatti, Department of Physics

Drs. Balzarini and Banzatti are being recognized for superlative scholarship, research activities, and current contributions to their disciplines.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities

Professor/Associate Professor rank

Dr. Khalid Arar, Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Assistant Professor/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer rank

Dr. Kelly L. Clary, School of Social Work

Drs. Arar and Clary have made significant contributions to their disciplines and to the intellectual life of TXST.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Teaching

Professor/Associate Professor rank

Dr. Cynthia J. Luxford, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Assistant Professor/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer rank

Dr. Reagan N. Sims, Department of Agricultural Sciences 

Dr. Luxford and Sims have shown an outstanding ability to make teaching and learning an exciting experience.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Service

Professor/Associate Professor rank

Dr. Jennifer N. Ahrens, Department of Health and Human Performance 

 Assistant Professor/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer rank

Dr. Austin B. Talley, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. Ahrens and Talley are being recognized for their superior service to the University, their profession, and the community. 

A selection committee composed of faculty and students reviewed nominees for each award. These selection committees worked very hard, and I would like to extend my thanks to the committee members. The awards will be formally presented at the Faculty Awards Night on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

I know all of you will join me in extending congratulations to our 2025 honorees.

Sincerely, 

Kelly Damphousse

President