Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award

Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell recognizes TTU system's top faculty with teaching and research awards.

As one of the highest honors given by Texas Tech University to faculty members, the Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching and Research Awards are given to individuals who exemplify teaching or research in their role. Associate Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Personal Financial Planning, Mitzi Lauderdale, J.D., CFP® was selected as a recipient of the 2018-2019 Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award.

Six Texas Tech University faculty members were presented Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching and Research Awards Jan. 22 during a ceremony at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.

Throughout the month of January, Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D. recognized 13 faculty members from the TTU System's four institutions – Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso – as recipients of the 2019 Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching and Research Awards. These awards recognize excellence in academics and research.

Mitzi is a life-long Red Raider with several degrees from Texas Tech and has been a faculty member on campus since 2004, leading the Student Services and Marketing and Communications offices in the recruitment, retention and engagement of undergraduate and graduate students.

"After first meeting Mitzi as a student, it has been amazing to watch her bloom into a skilled and dedicated teacher," Human Sciences Special Projects Director, Lynn Huffman, Ph.D. said. "She gives her all to her classes, and her students realize that. Mitzi can often be found outside of class talking to students on both academic and personal issues – they trust and admire her."

Dr. Huffman goes on to explain that Mitzi often teaches by involving students in her research projects that focus on areas of financial planning for families with special needs children.

"That choice so well reflects her interest in the well-being of others that is so evident in her classes," Dr. Huffman said. "Mitzi is a gem of a teacher and a fine professional colleague."

Personal Financial Planning graduate student, Ben Brundrett, was glad to be a part of the nomination process for Mitzi's award, having Mitzi as a professor in his undergraduate studies and now as his advisor in his graduate degree.

"Throughout my undergraduate, she cultivated my passion for special needs financial planning and created opportunities for me to learn outside of the classroom," Ben said. "After coming back to do my master's, Mitzi has continued being an exemplary mentor and has enhanced my graduate experience."

Personal Financial Planning Chairperson, Vickie Hampton, Ph.D. describes Mitzi's accolade as a point of pride for the PFP department.

"Professor Lauderdale works tirelessly for students, both in and out of the classroom," Dr. Hampton said. "She is an excellent colleague to faculty and a strong role model for students. We are so proud of her!"

The College of Human Sciences celebrates Mitzi for her nomination and selection.