There is no difference between online and in-person professors when it comes to passion, but teaching from a distance can lead to personal uncertainties. Without the face-to-face interactions of a traditional classroom, how can professors tell whether their efforts truly make an impact on their students?
Mary Frances Weatherly, associate professor of practice in marketing and supply chain management and Online BBA program faculty director, has asked herself the same question. Being one of four instructors receiving a 2026 Jerry S. Rawls Distinguished Undergraduate Educator Award casts away any lingering doubt. Blinking back tears as proud family, friends, and fellow honorees applauded, she beamed from the podium while accepting the honor, becoming the first fully online professor to receive this award.
Weatherly said, “I love helping students build confidence and pushing them outside their comfort zones, bringing the real-world into the classroom.”
Known for her sparkling wit and signature Nike “Dunks,” Weatherly brings more than two decades of sales, marketing, and leadership experience to her teaching. She prioritizes bridging the gap between classroom learning and proactive career readiness, ensuring students grow as academics and professionals. Her achievement, coupled with the meaningful student nominations, is a testament to educator empowerment and distance learning making an incredible impact with commitment and passionate leadership.
Made possible through Jerry S. Rawls’ direct investment, the Jerry S. Rawls Distinguished Undergraduate Educator Awards present two $20,000 awards to full-time faculty members and two $5,000 awards to part-time instructors or doctoral students. Recipients are selected based on nominations from current and former undergraduate students, along with selection committee input. This year, across 136 nominations, students commended 57 educators who elevated their undergraduate experience, reflecting Rawls’ vision for an impact-driven award recognizing every type of instructor.
Marketing and supply chain doctoral student and part-time graduate instructor Abhishek Nirjar credits his nomination to adopting his advisor’s guiding wisdom as his straightforward teaching philosophy: prioritize learning and industry preparation. Leading with this mission in mind helped to make his class a value-driven experience, regardless of the early mornings.
“The 8 a.m. class was my opportunity to make a difference” said Nirjar.
Lyons School of Accounting doctoral student Tolulope (Tolu) Okelola is characterized by her positive energy and consistent dedication. She goes out of her way to make difficult concepts feel clear and achievable, uplifting students every step of the way.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award today,” said Okelola. “For me, teaching goes beyond just talking about material. It’s about connecting into real-world concepts that students can remember for the rest of their lives.”
Zachary Keeler, Ph.D., assistant professor of practice in energy commerce and business economics, accepted the honor with humble gratitude, cheered on from the audience by his parents and wife, Alanna M. Hirshman, Ph.D., a 2025 award recipient and assistant professor in management.
"I think one of the simplest things that someone can do to be a better educator is
to just take an interest in their students,” said Keeler. “Anyone can throw up a slide
on a PowerPoint. Connecting with the students not only helps them academically and
professionally, but also in their personal lives.”
View Jerry S. Rawls Distinguished Undergraduate Educator Awards 2026 Photos →
Special Thanks to the Selection Committee
Non-Voting Chair
Dino Villegas, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs; Professor of Practice, Marketing and Supply Chain Management
Jerry S. Rawls College of Business
Members of the TTU Teaching Academy
Vijay Hegde, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences
College of Health & Human Sciences
Kristen Michelson
Associate Professor, Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures
College of Arts & Sciences
Ali Nejat, Ph.D.
Associate Academic Dean, Undergraduate Studies; Professor of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering
Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering