Three Computer Science Staff Members Honored with Texas Tech Distinguished Staff Awards
Three staff members from the Department of Computer Science in Texas Tech University’s Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering have been recognized through the university’s 2025 Distinguished Staff Awards program.
The Distinguished Staff Awards celebrate exceptional employees who exemplify the university’s values and contribute to its success. Texas Tech recognizes that everything we do starts with our employees and everything we achieve is because of our employees and the awards highlight those who go above and beyond in their service and leadership.
Kelly Cooper, business manager for the department, received the Masked Rider Award, which honors individuals with three or more years of service who have significantly contributed to the university’s success and lead by example.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this special award,” Cooper said. “It is a privilege to work with such a great team. I appreciate all of the faculty and staff that believed in me enough to nominate me. From here it is possible!”
Erin Engelhardt, graduate chief academic advisor, earned the Staff Senate Award, which recognizes employees with at least one year of service who have exceeded their daily duties to improve the welfare of students, faculty, and staff.
“It’s a profound privilege to receive a Distinguished Staff Award and to be recognized alongside so many hardworking and dedicated staff across the university,” Engelhardt said. “It’s especially exciting to share this honor with two of my incredible colleagues in Computer Science.”
Dan Martin, undergraduate chief academic advisor, was awarded the President’s Award of Excellence, given to staff members who have demonstrated strong leadership, service, and engagement across the university.
“I feel incredibly grateful for this award and also for the team that I work with every day,” Martin said. “Without such a cohesive group, awards like these definitely feel more out of reach.”
The Distinguished Staff Awards program includes three system-wide recognition categories - the Masked Rider Award, the Staff Senate Award, and the President’s Award of Excellence each designed to honor employees who embody Texas Tech’s spirit of service, leadership, and excellence.