News Summary
The University of Houston-Victoria celebrated academic excellence by honoring three faculty members for their contributions to teaching, research, and service. Nadya Pittendrigh received the Teaching Excellence Award, Mark Ward Sr. was recognized for his contributions to research, and Keith Akins was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Service Award. These accolades highlight the commitment of UHV staff in supporting student success and embody the university’s mission of fostering academic dedication and community involvement.
Victoria, Texas – The University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) celebrated academic excellence by recognizing three faculty members for their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service during the 2024-25 academic year.
Joann Olson, the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at UHV, praised the honorees for their dedication to continuous improvement and their active involvement in the university community. The awards recipients exemplify the UHV mission of supporting student success through effective teaching, robust research efforts, and committed service.
Teaching Excellence Award
The Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Nadya Pittendrigh, a faculty member highly regarded by her students. Pittendrigh teaches English and creative writing courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and her teaching prowess was validated by direct nominations from her students.
Pittendrigh has made significant strides in connecting her academic curriculum to practical experiences. Over the past year, she partnered with the UHV Nonprofit Center to develop a project for her classes that involved students in creating content and writing grant proposals for local nonprofit organizations. Her focus on linking academic concepts to real-world applications is a central theme in her teaching philosophy.
Research and Scholarly Activity Excellence Award
Mark Ward Sr. received the Research and Scholarly Activity Excellence Award, marking a significant acknowledgment of his contributions to the field of religious communication. Ward, who has been a professor at UHV for 15 years, is a nationally recognized expert in his area, with over 40 published scholarly articles and eight authored books.
This year, Ward’s publication, “Inside Evangelicalism: The Culture of Conservative White Christianity,” garnered attention upon its release in March. In addition to this recent work, his previous book “God Talk: The Problem of Divine-Human Communication” was honored as Edited Book of the Year by the Religious Communication Association. Ward, who previously won this research award in 2018, was also recognized as the 2024 Scholar of the Year by the association, underscoring his impact in the academic community.
Distinguished Faculty Service Award
The Distinguished Faculty Service Award was given to Keith Akins, a dedicated UHV faculty member for the past 17 years. Akins has actively engaged in university governance, having served as the Faculty Senate president on three occasions and participating in various key committees including Budget Oversight, Graduate Studies, and Grievance Committees.
Akins has focused on improving university operations and fostering positive relationships among faculty and administration, especially during leadership transitions. His commitment to service has been crucial in supporting the university’s mission and aiding both students and his colleagues.
A Tradition of Recognition
The Teaching Excellence Award has been a part of UHV’s tradition since 1993, reinforcing the importance of recognizing faculty members based on student nominations during the fall and spring semesters. The awards serve as a reminder of the significant role that superior teaching and academic dedication play in student engagement and success.
Pittendrigh expressed her gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the meaningful connection between her work and student experiences. Similarly, Ward noted the vital role that faculty engagement in research plays in enhancing the educational experience within the classroom. Akins concluded the ceremony by reflecting on the importance of service in ensuring effective university operations and positively influencing the student and faculty experiences.
The recognition of these faculty members not only highlights their individual contributions but also embodies the collective commitment of UHV staff to academic excellence and community involvement.
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Victoria, TX 10-Day Forecast
- Patch: Flood Watch Near San Antonio
- Fox San Antonio: Victoria Prepares for Beryl
- Washington Post: South Texas Flooding and Tornado Forecast
- Wikipedia: Victoria, Texas
