A&M–Central Texas Celebrates Excellence at Distinguished Warrior Awards Ceremony

Texas A&M University–Central Texas celebrated its outstanding faculty and alumni who personify leadership, scholarship, and service in their professions, on Thursday evening at the Distinguished Warrior Awards ceremony. Thursday’s ceremony the first time these recognitions have been presented at a formal banquet. KWTX evening anchor Lauren Westbrook served as emcee for the event.

Hosted by the University Relations office, the ceremony recognized faculty and alumni who have made significant contributions to the university and their communities. The event featured award presentations and special recognitions, highlighting the spirit of excellence that defines the Warrior community.

The university also unveiled its new Spartan Warrior statue presented to the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients “who exemplify excellence, perseverance, and integrity.” The University Relations Office partnered with students in the mechanical engineering and technology program to draft and design the Warrior statue. The approved design was printed on a 3D printer in the Coleen Beck Makerspace. Each statue takes 36 hours to print. The 10-inch statue stands as a symbol of strength, discipline and honor.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to three deserving individuals.

Dr. Linda Angel, a legacy alumnus who graduated in 1995 from the University of Central Texas, serves as the Executive Director at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Under her leadership, Dr. Angel has helped connect more than 18,000 soldiers and military spouses to civilian career opportunities. She has served in leadership capacities with the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, Central Texas Chapter of AUSA, Rotary Club of Harker Heights, and as a judge for the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. She has also served on the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals board.

Matt Lutz serves as the Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida Largo West Hospital. He oversees a $65 million campus with more than 400 employees. Under his leadership the hospital received the prestigious Press Ganey 2023 Pinnacle of Excellence Award for Patient Experience, achieving a remarkable 95^th percentile rank for three consecutive years. He actively participates in community initiatives that promote health and wellness, such as serving on the Pinellas MATTERS Advisory Committee for an opioid overdose grant program, and as a member of the City of Largo Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

Latoscha Sherman is the Associate Dean of Counseling at Collin College, promoting well-being and academic success of students. She earned her master’s in clinical mental health at A&M–Central Texas in 2019, where, as a graduate student, she launched the first-ever Mental Health Week at A&M–Central Texas. She continues to demonstrate high levels of professionalism and compassion in her work, developing mental health initiatives throughout the organizations she touches.

Faculty awards and recognition were also presented, including the Yowell Junior Faculty Fellows Award, for excellence in teaching, research, and service. Recipients included:

• Dr. Chamindika Siriwardana, Assistant Professor of Biology
• Dr. Madelynn Shell, Associate Professor of Psychology
• Dr. Ankita Singhvi, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance

The Beck Senior Faculty Fellow Awards recognize senior faculty for distinguished scholarship and teaching. The recognition was awarded to:

• Dr. Amber Dunai, Associate Professor of English and Linguistics
• Dr. Morgan Lewing, Associate Professor of Higher Education Leadership and Chair of the Educational Leadership and Human Development department
• Dr. Rebecca McPherson, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management

Following the awards, the Alumni Association bestowed honorary alumni status on A&M–Central Texas President Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, and Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Clifton T. Jones.