The following individuals and/or groups were recognized with Presidential Awards for Excellence during the HSC academic convocation Wednesday, Jan. 16:

Community Outreach – HSC Health Circus. A student-organized and student-run partnership utilizing the HSC-College of Medicine, HSC-School of Rural Public Health and local nursing students with regional health providers, the Health Circus is a traveling health fair designed for underserved children and adults in Brazos Valley. The award recognizes those who exemplify the mission and vision of the HSC and contribute to the health and well being of underserved and/or rural populations or communities.

 
Health Care Services and Delivery – Lamar McNew, M.D., professor of family and community medicine at the HSC-COM. Having served thousands of patients during his years of practice and extensive overseas travel, Dr. McNew has been a volunteer faculty member for 30 years and was instrumental in creating the Brazos Family Residency Program.. The award acknowledges exceptional commitment and innovation to the provision of health care over time.

Research – The late Richard “Dick” Ewing, Ph.D., vice president for research at Texas A&M University. A world-renowned scientist in mathematics, engineering and computational sciences, Dr. Ewing generously provided support for HSC faculty researchers, especially in proposal development and research compliance. He also recognized the HSC Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies as a full partner in decision-making processes that affected HSC research programs. The award honors significant contributions that enhance, facilitate or accelerate the HSC research enterprise. His wife, Rita, accepted his award.

 
Institutional Enhancement – City of Bryan. Earlier in the day, the HSC hosted a ground breaking for a future Bryan campus, with approximately 200 acres donated by the City of Bryan. The award honors an individual or foundation demonstrating outstanding commitment to the mission of the HSC by providing significant support to one or more areas within the institution.

 
Education and Mentorship – Stephen Griffin, D.D.S., associate professor and director of clinics at HSC-Baylor College of Dentistry. An invaluable resource in information technology, Dr. Griffin implemented a totally electronic patient record system for HSC-BCD. The award honors exceptional contribution and achievement as an educator or mentor and is reflective of the breadth of educational and mentoring activities across the HSC.

Administrative Support – Eric Solomon, D.D.S., executive director of the HSC Office of Institutional Research. Nationally known for his expertise in strategic planning and institutional research, Dr. Solomon has facilitated various accreditations, ensured appropriate program funding and guided strategic planning efforts. The award acknowledges individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the HSC through their dedication, initiative, outstanding achievements, enthusiasm and attitude in their work.

Texas A&M Health Science Center Convocation and Component Awards

The following individuals were recognized with college awards during a luncheon preceding the HSC academic convocation Wednesday, Jan. 16:

Baylor College of Dentistry Alumni Association Dental Teacher of the Year – Mark E. Gannaway, D.D.S., associate professor of restorative sciences

BCD Alumni Association Dental Hygiene Teacher of the Year – Keri Pearson, B.S., assistant professor of dental hygiene

College of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Awards in Teaching – Gary McCord, M.D., associate professor in neuroscience and experimental therapeutics and assistant dean for student affairs; Kathleen Jones, M.D., assistant professor in pathology and laboratory medicine; and Sharyl Santema, M.D., assistant professor in pediatrics

Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy Dean’s Award for Excellence – Mansoor A. Khan, Ph.D., distinguished visiting professor

Institute of Biosciences and Technology Distinguished Service Awards – Magnus Höök, Ph.D., director of the Center for Extracellular Matrix Biology and Regents Professor, and Wallace McKeehan, Ph.D., director of the Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology and Regents Professor

School of Rural Public Health Excellence in Education/Teaching – Jane Bolin, R.N., J.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in health policy and management

SRPH Excellence in Research – Ming Tai-Seale, Ph.D., assistant professor in health policy and management

SRPH Excellence in Service – Kirby C. Donnelly, Ph.D., head and professor of environmental and occupational health

SRPH Excellence in Administrative Support – Linnae Hutchison in research