Scott Burris, an associate professor with Texas Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, has been tapped for one of this year's Professing Excellence Awards. The honor was presented at a special ceremony today (Mar. 20) at the Red Raider Lounge in the university's Student Union Building.

"These awards are given to outstanding faculty who go above and beyond "" both inside and outside the classroom "" to impact their students' learning and academic success," said Mike Galyean, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Presented by Tech's University Student Housing office, Burris is one of 10 Professing Excellence Award honorees selected this year. Each year, the housing office provides students living in the residence halls at Texas Tech the opportunity to nominate outstanding instructors for their dedication and commitment to student learning. From the nominations, a committee of students selected ten individuals to receive the award.

Burris, a specialist in agricultural education, joined the Tech faculty in 2005 and currently serves as advisor for Texas Tech's Collegiate FFA chapter. He earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary agriculture from Texas Tech, and master's and doctorate degrees in agricultural education from the University of Missouri. Other awards for Burris include a President's Excellence in Teaching Award and Spencer A. Wells Faculty Award for Creativity in Teaching.

"These awards provide further recognition of the excellence of our faculty, not only for their knowledge, research and service, but also for their teaching and proficiency in communicating to their students," said Kyle Clark, vice president of Administration and Finance.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Steven Fraze, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2816 or steven.fraze@ttu.edu

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