The Texas A&M University College of Arts & Sciences was well represented at Texas A&M University’s Spring Recognition Ceremony on May 7, with three of the highest awards presented going to individuals from the college. The annual university-wide event, held in the Memorial Student Center (MSC) Bethancourt Ballroom, celebrates academic excellence across campus and honors students, faculty, and staff who have made exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and service. The ceremony is hosted jointly by the Texas A&M Honors Academy, the Office of Undergraduate Research, and the Office of National Fellowships.
Jackson Baker, a recent graduate with a double major in history and anthropology, received one of the two Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Awards — the highest honor given to a Texas A&M graduating senior. The award, established in 1970, recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership, patriotism, fortitude, courage, humility and love of Texas A&M, echoing the life and values of Gen. James Earl Rudder, a World War II hero and former university president.
A member of the Corps of Cadets Company I-1, Baker earned his Corps brass as a freshman, signifying the completion of three intense training phases. He also served as a history research intern and volunteer archaeologist for the Center for the Study of the First Americans. He participated in the Anthropology Graduate and Undergraduate Mentorship Program and the Undergraduate Research Scholars Thesis Program.
In a December 2023 Texas A&M story, Baker was featured for his research project, which focused on compiling the first comprehensive list of Aggies missing in action from World War II through the Vietnam War, while also exploring ways to honor their service and sacrifices. Baker plans to return to Texas A&M to pursue his master’s degree in history.
Dr. Dave Tarvin, instructional associate professor in the Department of Communication & Journalism, received the Wells Fargo Honors Faculty Mentor Award. This award, selected by Honors students, recognizes a faculty member who goes above and beyond in mentoring, teaching and inspiring students both in and outside of the classroom. Tarvin is known for using humor and global experiences to create transformative learning environments, including leading education abroad trips to Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Italy and Australia. He serves as secretary of the Faculty Senate and chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. His additional accolades include the A&S Undergraduate Mentoring Award (2024), Faculty Advocate Award (2023) and being named a namesake for both Fish Camp and Transfer Camp.
This marks the third consecutive year that a College of Arts and Sciences faculty member has received the Wells Fargo Honors Faculty Mentor Award. Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova (Physics & Astronomy) won the award in 2024, following Dr. Laura Osborne (Psychological & Brain Sciences) in 2023.
Dr. Andrew Klein, director of distance education and professor in the Department of Geography, was honored with the Director’s Award for Outstanding Service to Honors Programs. The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made a significant contribution to the University Honors Program and is selected by Honors program staff. Klein is a physical geographer whose research in geographic information science (GISci) has helped advance understanding of cold regions, including long-term work in Antarctica. He also leads development of GISci-based academic programs at Texas A&M and serves as speaker of the Faculty Senate.
Like the Faculty Mentor Award, this marks the third consecutive year that a College of Arts & Sciences faculty member has received the Director’s Award. Dr. Apostolos Vasilakis (English) won the award in 2024, following Dr. Dave Tarvin in 2023.
Learn more about academic excellence and recognition awards at launch.tamu.edu.