Distinguished Warrior Awards
Honoring Exceptional Warrior Graduates!Over the years, we’ve heard of the amazing accomplishments of our alumni, and we believe in recognizing them because the true measure of a university’s greatness is reflected in their achievements.
Honoring Exceptional Warrior Graduates
The Distinguished Warrior Awards is the University’s annual recognition event, honoring not only distinguished alumni but also individuals and groups receiving special recognition or making meaningful contributions to the institution and broader community. This annual celebration highlights exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and the enduring values that define the Warrior spirit.
Distinguished Warrior Awards Dinner formally honors a diverse group of individuals, including outstanding alumni who demonstrated excellence in their professions, commitment to service, and an unwavering connection to the University. The program reflects on the power of education, celebrates extraordinary achievement, and underscores the impact of a strong and supportive community.
News: 2025 Distinguished Warrior Awards Ceremony
The Distinguished Warrior Awards is more than a ceremony it is a moment of recognition, reflection, and pride in all that it means to be part of the Warrior family.
Honorees – 2025
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 95th 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.
Honorees – 2024
Video: https://youtu.be/Na3iLdFDBC0
Video: https://youtu.be/lqzqXysyCto
Honorary Alumnus
Video: https://youtu.be/Ckhy-5-m3vg
Nomination Process
Do you know a Warrior who should be celebrated?
We welcome nominations year-round, and the process is quick and easy. All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, and recipients will be notified ahead of the September ceremony.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Notable professional achievements
- Significant contributions to their community
- Meaningful engagement or service to TAMUCT or its legacy institutions
Connect With Our Team
Interested in making a gift or exploring partnership opportunities?
We’d love to hear from you.
Charley Ayres
Director, University Relations
Founders Hall, Suite 416
Phone: 254.519.5782
[email protected]