Four named AFS Award Recipients
Four faculty in the College of Education and Human Development will be honored with a 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Former Students.
The awards are among the most prestigious awards presented to faculty at Texas A&M. Recipients are chosen by a campus-wide committee composed of faculty, students, former students and staff.
This year’s honorees are:
- Dr. Beverly Irby – Research
- Dr. Jay Woodward – Teaching
- Dr. Krista Bailey – Individual Student Relationships
- Dr. Christine Stanley – Graduate Mentoring
The research award recognizes those individuals whose research efforts have been particularly significant and whose outstanding work is recognized around the world. Irby has published numerous journal articles, books and book chapters focusing on a range of topics from leadership development to mentoring.
“Being awarded this honor recognizes not only my personal scholarship, but also that of all members of our research team, my mentors, scholars, graduate students, teachers, administrators, undergraduate researchers and collaborators in the college, university, and Texas, and across the country and around the world. I am very honored, and this prestigious award challenges me to continue the path and the mentoring of the new generation of education researchers,” said Irby.
The teaching award is presented to superior classroom teachers: individuals whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, communication skills and commitment to the learning process exemplify the meaning of “teacher” in its highest sense.
Woodward is the first in the college’s history to receive three different AFS awards during his teaching career.
“As a three-time graduate of Texas A&M, this third award means the world to me as I continuously strive to give back to the university that has given me so much in return,” said Woodward. “Naturally there is a sense of pride that accompanies this accomplishment, but more than that I was elated that this award provides a platform to highlight the exemplary pedagogical practices integrated into coursework in the College of Education and Human Development. High-impact teaching is an integral component of the CEHD mission and this recognition is a testament to how I, along with all our distinguished faculty, embody the core Aggie values in higher education classrooms. The fact that this is my third award is humbling, but shows that efforts in “transforming lives” don’t have to be confined to traditional learning spaces.”
The individual student relationships award recognizes, encourages and rewards those employees whose professional relationships with students are particularly helpful and inspiring.
Bailey joined the college in 2016 after receiving her Ph.D. in Educational Human Resource Development from Texas A&M in 2011. She is the director of the Student Affairs in Higher Education master’s program and teaches graduate courses in student affairs administration.
“I am so honored to be receiving this award. As an educator I strive to always put students first, to get to know students, and to support them in their journey,” said Bailey. “The greatest gift a student can give me is the opportunity to get to know them as a person and allow me to support them as they work towards their goals.”
The graduate mentoring award recognizes, encourages and rewards faculty mentors of graduate students – those faculty who go well beyond advising by bringing their skills and commitment to students’ learning and professional development as future teachers, practitioners, researchers and scholars through mentoring.
Stanley has graduated 20 doctoral students and served as a mentor for many others.
“This award is less about me, and more about the students, staff, former students and faculty who have taught me a lot about the value of individuality, integrity, context, social justice, equity and inclusion,” said Stanley. “To be able to share what I have learned from my journey to help others achieve their goals is truly a humbling experience. This is what mentoring means to my soul – I am, because we are. I am deeply honored.”
Since 1955, the AFS has recognized outstanding members of Texas A&M’s faculty and staff for their commitment, performance and positive impact on Aggie students, Texas citizens and the world around them. In recognition of their achievements, honorees receive a cash gift, engraved watch and commemorative plaque.
You can find a full list of Distinguished Achievement Award Honorees on the Association of Former Students website.
About the Writer
Ashley is the Media Relations Coordinator and responsible for news coverage in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture as well as the Department of Educational Psychology.
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