Faculty & Staff Distinctions

Appointment to a Distinguished Professorship is a special honor conferred upon active faculty in recognition of an extended period of service that shall be marked by unusual and exemplary contributions to the University community. These contributions may take the form of teaching, research, service, or a combination of these components. (Academic Policy Statement 860425, Designation of Distinguished Professors) 

Each year, the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System honors professors whose performance and contributions to the educational community have been exemplary. Recipients of the Regents' Professor award maintain this title for the duration of their service within the System. Winners are formally recognized at the November Board of Regents meeting, where they receive a $10,000 award, a commemorative medallion, and a Board of Regents resolution. (Texas State University System)

The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System annually recognizes exceptional teachers from TSUS member institutions with the Regents' Teacher Award. Regents' Teachers are selected based on their outstanding performance as educators, contributions to the development of courses, and use of innovative teaching methods, among other criteria. In addition to a commemorative medallion and board resolution, winners receive a $5,000 cash award and maintain the title of Regents' Teacher for the duration of their service within TSUS. (Texas State University System)

Ten awards of $5,000 each are made annually by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation to professors for superior teaching at the college level. Selection is made on the basis of nominations submitted by each college or university in the State of Texas. Begun in 1958, with eight awards, the roster of Piper Professors includes outstanding professors from two and four-year colleges and universities, public and private. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts )

The President of the University is authorized to bestow the title Professor Emeritus or Associate Professor Emeritus upon a retired member of the faculty or in anticipation of the retirement of a faculty member, effective upon retirement, in recognition of long and outstanding service to the University…based upon high quality service and contributions to the University that clearly demonstrate the individual's worthiness for this honor. Academic Policy Statement 800925, Faculty Retirement and Emeritus Status)

The Excellence in Teaching Award honors a faculty member in a tenured or tenure-track teaching position that has established a consistent pattern of excellence in the classroom and recognizes the highest level of teaching achievement at SHSU.  Faculty members are nominated by the faculty, students, and alumni of the university.  Materials submitted by finalists related to curriculum, instructional delivery, teaching methods and philosophy, including in-person or virtual classroom visits are used by the committee to select the final award recipient.  The annual recipient receives a $5,000 monetary award and a commendation medal.

The Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Accomplishments Award encourages research at all levels within the University Faculty and provides recognition for such performance; determines the criteria by which monetary awards and possibly other forms of recognition are to be given to faculty members who display excellence in research to the University community; and determines the recipients of a $5,000 monetary award for excellence in research to the University community. Members of the committee are not eligible for nomination.

The Excellence in Service Award encourages service at all levels within the University Faculty and provides recognition for such performance; determines the criteria by which monetary awards and possibly other forms of recognition are to be given to faculty members who display excellence in service to the University community; and determines the recipients of a $5,000 monetary award for excellence in service to the University community. Members of the committee are not eligible for nomination.

The David Payne Academic Community Engagement Award honors a faculty member who has achieved excellence in Academic Community Engagement with $5,000 and a commendation medal. Recipients of this award have taught SHSU students the value of community engagement and have collaborated with community partners to meet community needs and improve quality of life.

The Non-Tenure Track Teaching Excellence Award Honors a faculty member in a promotion eligible non-tenure track teaching position. The nominee should have established a consistent pattern of excellence in the classroom and recognizes the highest level of teaching achievement at Sam Houston State University. NTT faculty members can be nominated by the faculty, administration and/or staff. Nominees will be asked to submit a syllabus, a teaching philosophy, a curriculum vita, SHSU teaching evaluation scores for two previous academic years, as well as a demonstration of innovative teaching methods. The recipient for the year will receive a $5,000 monetary award and a commendation medal.

Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award winners highlight outstanding faculty members and their dedication to teaching, commitment to advance their respective fields of study through research, and devotion to making a difference through service in their campus communities. The awards program was established by the league’s presidents and chancellors to recognize exceptional contributions in teaching, research, and service.

The Rookie Award is presented to the recently hired staff member (with three years of service in Academic Affairs or less) who has quickly asserted themselves as passionate, effective, and a go-getter in their respective area.

The Spirit Award is presented to the staff member who is the “cheerleader” of their area or office who consistently exhibits a positive attitude, initiative, and a can-do outlook as they generously serve faculty, students, and their colleagues.

The Loyalty Award is presented to the staff member who has a history of superior service and ongoing commitment to faculty, staff, and students. Candidates must have at least 10 years of service at Sam Houston State University, and at least five of those years within the Division of Academic Affairs.

The Leadership Award is presented to the staff member who leads others, whether in a formal or informal leadership position, and displays leadership qualities, including exceptional communication, problem solving, integrity, and a desire to help others succeed.

This is the most prestigious award presented by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. This award honors the staff member who has shown the ability to lead and create a positive, supportive, and motivating work environment. This person consistently makes a positive impact through contribution and commitment to the University’s core purpose and values. The awardees must have worked in Academic Affairs for at least five years at the time of nomination.