Faculty Honors & Awards
2024 Award Winners
The J.T. and Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts is proud to honor the exceptional work of our dedicated faculty members.
These awards recognize faculty who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating excellence in the areas of student engagement, impact, service, outstanding research, international engagement and teaching performance.
Research & Teaching

Mallory Prucha, M.F.A.
President's Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award
School of Theatre & Dance

Annie Chalex Boyle, M.M.
President's Excellence in Teaching Award
School of Music

Klinton Burgio-Ericson, Ph.D.
Alumni Association New Faculty Award
School of Art
Integrated Scholars

Andrea Bilkey, M.F.A.
School of Theatre & Dance

Paul Reinsch, Ph.D.
School of Theatre & Dance
international awards

Jorgelina Orfila, Ph.D.
Global Vision Faculty International Scholarship
School of Art

Francisco Ortega, Ph.D.
Global Vision Faculty International Scholarship
School of Art

School of Music
Global Campus Internationalization Award
national awards

Angela Mariani, D.M.
Excellence in Teaching Medieval Studies (CARA) Award
School of Music

Mark Charney, Ph.D.
Induction into the College of Fellows of American Theatre
School of Theatre & Dance
Research & Teaching
Paul Whitfield Horn Professors
Horn Professorships, the highest faculty honor that the university may bestow, are granted to tenured professors in recognition of their attainment or national and/or international distinction for having made a unique and significant impact on their field through outstanding research or other creative scholarly achievement.
- Dr. Bill Westney, School of Music
- Dr. Mary Jean Van Appledorn, School of Music, Emerita 2009
Barnie E. Rushing, Jr. Faculty Distinguished Research Award
The Barnie E. Rushing, Jr. Faculty Distinguished Research Award recognizes faculty members who have achieved national and/or international recognition for their scholarship, publications in leading journals, creative work, service on editorial boards, peer-reviewed research projects, patents and license agreements, and/or other significant measures appropriate to the individual's discipline. Nominees for this award are designated as the colleges Outstanding Researcher for the year, and receive the Fine Arts Doctoral Programs Fine Arts Award for Excellence in Creative/Research.
- Professor Ali Duffy, School of Theatre and Dance, 2021
- Dr. Susan Brumfield, School of Music, 2019
- Professor Tina Fuentes, School of Art, 2018
- Dr. Angela Mariani, School of Music, 2017
JTMTCVPA Outstanding Researcher Fine Arts Award for Excellence in Creative/Research (FADP)
- Professor Ali Duffy, School of Theatre and Dance, 2021
- Dr. Susan Brumfield, School of Music, 2014
- Professor Rick Dingus, School of Art, 2013
- Dr. Susan Brumfield, School of Music, 2012
- Dr. Dorothy Chansky, School of Theatre & Dance, 2011
- Dr. Janice Killian, School of Music, 2010
- Professor Rick Dingus, School of Art, 2007
- Professor Karl Dent, School of Music, 2006
- Professor Lynwood Kreneck, School of Art, 2005
- Dr. Mary Jeanne Van Appledorn, School of Music, 2004
Chancellor's Council Distinguished Research Award
The Chancellors Council Distinguished Research Award is the highest award given by the Texas Tech University System and recognizes faculty members who represent the best in academic instruction and research.
- Professor Mallory Prucha, School of Theatre and Dance, 2023
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Dr. Andy Stetson, School of Music, 2022
- Dr. Heather Warren-Crow, Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts, 2018
- Dr. Carla Cash, School of Music, 2015
- Professor Christie Blizard, School of Art, 2012
President's Book Award
Candidates for the President's Book Award must have published a book within the year; the nomination is reviewed by selected faculty who present recommendations to the awards committee.
- Dr. Angela Mariani, School of Music, 2019
- Dr. Dorothy Chansky, School of Theatre and Dance, 2018
- Dr. Dorothy Chansky, School of Theatre & Dance, 2006
- Dr. William Westney, School of Music, 2005
President's Mid-Career Faculty Award
- Dr. William Gelber, School of Theatre & Dance, 2015
- Professor James Decker, School of Music, 2014
Presidents Academic Achievement Award
The Presidents Academic Achievement Award rewards excellence in achievement across the teaching- research- service missions of the university. It requires evidence of productive scholarship, peer recognition in one or more areas, and demonstrated competence in all areas.
- Professor Gerald Dolter, School of Music, 2014
- Professor Genevieve Durham DeCesaro, School of Theatre & Dance, 2013
Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award
The Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes members of the Texas Tech University faculty for teaching excellence, as evidenced by their attainment of distinction both within and beyond the institution for outstanding teaching and outstanding contributions related to excellence in teaching.
- Professor Alan D. Shinn, School of Music, 2019
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Dr. Lora Deahl, School of Music, 2017
- Dr. Janice Killian, School of Music, 2012
- Dr. William Westney, School of Music, 2009
President's Excellence in Teaching Award
The President's Excellence in Teaching Award results from excellence in a teaching role and is nominated by the dean's letter summarizing teaching activities.
- Annie Chalex Boyle, School of Theatre & Music, 2024
- Professor Robin Germany, School of Art, 2023
- Professor Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston, School of Theatre and Dance, 2022
- Professor Lauryn Salazar, School of Music, 2020
- Professor Von Venhuizen, School of Art, 2019
- Dr. Angela Mariani, School of Music, 2018
- Dr. Linda Donahue, School of Theatre and Dance, 2017
- Professor Nicole Wesley, School of Theatre & Dance, 2015
- Dr. Kevin Wass, School of Music, 2014
- Professor Lisa Garner Santa, School of Music, 2013
- Dr. William Gelber, School of Theatre & Dance, 2012
- Dr. Jorgelina Orfila, School of Art, 2011
- Dr. Christopher J. Smith, School of Music, 2010
- Professor Genevieve Durham DeCesaro, School of Theatre & Dance, 2009
- Dr. Lisa Rogers, School of Music, 2008
- Dr. Wayne Hobbs, School of Music, 2007
- Dr. John Gilbert, School of Music, 2006
- Professor David Shea, School of Music, 2005
- Professor Carla Tedeschi, School of Art, 2004
- Professor Robly Glover, School of Art, 2003
Hemphill Wells New Professor Excellence in Teaching Award
This award recognizes a professor with a maximum of four years at Texas Tech University whose excellence in teaching has been attested to by students, faculty, and administrators.
- Dr. Andy Stetson, School of Music, 2016
- Dr. Thomas Cimarusti, School of Music, 2012
Alumni Association New Faculty Award
The Alumni Association New Faculty Award given based on student evaluations, innovative teaching activities, initiation of research/creative activities, and interaction with students. The recipient of this award must have fewer than 4 years of faculty experience and is nominated by deans.
- Dr. Klinton Burgio-Ericson, School of Art, 2024
- Professor Erik Stoklossa, School of Music, 2023
- Dr. Maia Toteva, School of Art, 2022
- Professor Mallory Prucha, School of Theatre and Dance, 2020
- Professor Jesse Jou, School of Art, 2019
- Dr. Jacqueline Henninger, School of Music, 2018
- Matthew Schlief, School of Theatre and Dance, 2017
- Dr. Esen Ogus Uzun, School of Art, 2015
- Assistant Professor Duane Hill, School of Music, 2014
- Dr. Mei-Fang Lin, School of Music, 2013
- Assistant Professor Ali Duffy, School of Theatre & Dance, 2012
- Assistant Professor Christie Blizard, School of Art, 2011
- Assistant Professor Jeffrey Lastrapes, School of Music, 2010
- Dr. Keith Dye, School of Music, 2009
- Dr. Peter Martens, School of Music, 2008
- Dr. Aaron Adair, School of Theatre & Dance, 2007
- Dr. Kathryn Barnes-Burroughs, School of Music, 2006
- Assistant Professor Genevieve Durham DeCesaro, School of Theatre & Dance, 2005
- Dr. Kirsten Yon, School of Music, 2004
President's Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award
The President's Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award recognizes Texas Tech faculty or faculty-staff teams for an exemplary project or activity that addresses an important community need and/or creates solutions to larger societal issues based on mutually beneficial partnerships with communities. "Communities" are broadly defined as any group of people affiliated by shared characteristics (such as geographical proximity, special interests, similar circumstances, needs, or values). The award is bestowed for a longer-term project or activity and recognizes the depth and scope of the university-community partnerships involved as well as the profound resulting impacts on both the community and the university (faculty, staff, or students). The award will go to the highest ranked faculty-led project/activity in each of the following categories: Community Engaged Research, Community Engaged Creative Activity, Community Engaged Teaching or Community Engaged Service.
- Associate Professor Mallory Prucha, School of Theatre & Dance, 2024
Service & Commitment
Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award
- Professor Gerald Dolter, School of Music, 2015
President's Excellence in Diversity and Equity Award
The President's Excellence in Diversity and Equity Awards recognize Texas Tech faculty, staff, and students in their efforts to make Texas Tech a welcoming campus through their commitment to service, mutual respect, academic and intellectual freedom, and diversity.
- Dr. Thomas Cimarusti, School of Music, 2012
Institute for Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellows
The Institute for Inclusive Excellence is designed to provide activities that promote a greater understanding of the academic value of diversity and equity among Texas Tech faculty.
- Dr. Dennis E. Fehr, School of Art, 2012
Inclusive Excellence Award
The Institute for Inclusive Excellence presents this award to honor outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to Inclusive Excellence.
- Dr. Thomas Cimarusti, School of Music, 2015
Donald R. Haragan Study Abroad Award
This award honors development and implementation of study abroad programs that support TTU's commitment to providing high quality international education opportunities.
- Dr. Linda Donahue, School of Theatre and Dance, 2014
Study Abroad Award
This award honors the promotion, work, and creation of study abroad programs.
- Dr. Christopher J. Smith, School of Music, 2011
Professing Excellence Award
The award is given to outstanding faculty who go above and beyond, both inside and outside the classroom, to impact their student's learning and academic success.
- Professor Bruce Herman, School of Theatre and Dance, 2012
- Dr. Ed Check, School of Art, 2006
Mortar Board Senior Honor Society/Omicron Delta Kappa Faculty Recognition Award
The founders of Omicron Delta Kappa formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, and that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, meeting on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness. The award recognizes and honors meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities that encourage development of general campus citizenship.
- Professor Duane Hill, School of Music, 2014
- Dr. Dorothy Chansky, School of Theatre and Dance, 2014
- Dr. Quinn Ankrum, School of Music, 2011
- Professor Carla Tedeschi, School of Art, 2009
RaiderReady First-Year Advocate & Faculty Fellowship Award
Offered by the Office of Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs, the award honors innovation in instructional design and care for freshman students making their transition into the university.
- Professor Nicole Wesley, School of Theatre & Dance, 2015
Scholar Pedagogues
Integrated Scholars
Faculty members who are integrated scholars consistently promote active learning, and infuse the results of their research and scholarship in courses and other learning experiences. Integrated scholars publish results of their teaching innovations in peer-reviewed journals. Also, integrated scholar faculty members plan and execute service commitments to complement their teaching and research goals. Moreover, their outreach efforts inform all that they do in the domains of their teaching/learning and research/scholarship/creative efforts.
- Associate Professor Andrea Bilkey, School of Theatre & Dance, 2024
- Associate Professor Paul Reinsch, School of Theatre & Dance, 2024
Teaching Academy
The Teaching Academy was formally inaugurated in 1997 to demonstrate, support, promote, and mentor colleagues and others, and share knowledge about teaching strategies and their implementation. The Teaching Academy and its members set the pace for the scholarship of teaching and the development of the best practices that serve as inspiration for all who teach at the university.
Honor Role, Integrated Scholars:
- Casey Joiner, School of Theatre and Dance, 2022
- Professor Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston, School of Theatre and Dance, 2022
- Professor Lisa Garner Santa, School of Music, 2020
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Dr. William Gelber, School of Theatre and Dance, 2020
- Professor Carol Flueckiger, School of Art, 2016
- Dr. Janice Killian, School of Music, 2015
- Dr. Linda Donahue, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2014
- Dr. William Westney, School of Music, 2014
- Professor Genevieve Durham, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2012
- Dr. Dorothy Chansky, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2011
- Dr. Carolyn Tate, School of Art, 2011
Honor Role, Teaching Academy:
- Associate Professor Ali Duffy, School of Theatre and Dance, 2014
- Dr. Keith Dye, School of Music, 2012
- Dr. Matthew Santa, School of Music, 2010
- Dr. David Shea, School of Music, 2007
- Dr. Ed Check, School of Art
- Professor Lora Deahl, School of Music
- Associate Professor Genevieve Durham, School of Theatre and Dance
- Dr. Lisa Garner Santa, School of Music
- Dr. Janice Killian, School of Music
- Dr. Angela Mariani, School of Music
- Dr. Peter Martens, School of Music
- Dr. Christopher J. Smith, School of Music
- Dr. Kevin Wass, School of Music
- Dr. William Westney, School of Music
- Professor Robly Glover, School of Art, 2003
Questions?
Contact Outreach & Academic Awards
Kristi Mangiapane
Lead Administrator Outreach & Academic Awards
J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts
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Address
School of Theatre & Dance Building | Box 45060 | 2812 18th Street STE 222 | Lubbock TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.0700 -
Email
talk@ttu.edu