Awards & Honors Definitions

Ambassadors, College of Business

Established in 2004. The Student Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for selected students to represent and promote the college’s programs and activities. Ambassadors also act as spokesmen for the college in a variety of settings. The Ambassadors’ primary mission is to market the College of Business. Selection based on application and interview.

Ambassadors, Crimson Scholar

Honors College award: Application/interview process. Eligibility requirements included a minimum 3.5 GPA, sophomore or junior standing and an outstanding background in leadership and community service. During their one-year term of service, Crimson Scholar Ambassadors will gain leadership experience, team-building skills, learn about NMSU and the Honors College and build a network of relationships with students and faculty.

Anderson, Robert O. Professorship

Funds are appropriated by the legislature and donated by benefactors. While the selection of recipients must rely on evaluation of past performance, the true purpose of the program is to provide future benefit to the students, businesses, and taxpayers of the State of New Mexico. Candidates are selected by the Professorship Screening Committee. At the end of the 3-year term, there will be a college-wide competition for the next term of the professorship. The holder of a distinguished professorship should give one presentation each year, either on or off campus representing this position at the request of the Dean.

Eligibility: All College of Business tenured and tenure track senior (rank of associate or full professor) faculty.

Time, Term or Academic Year: 3 years

Bank of America Professorship

Eligibility: All College of Business tenured and tenure track senior (rank of associate or full professor) faculty.

Time, Term or Academic Year: 3 years

Branding Iron Award

The highest honor the NMSU Foundation gives to an individual: Recognizes significant and unique contributions to the university. Normally presented in the Fall semester during Homecoming week.

CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program)

Introduced in 2002. Provides financial, educational and emotional assistance to students from migrant and seasonal farm working families; primarily funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Eligibility: Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., hold a high school diploma or GED and must be accepted at NMSU through their admissions process. In addition, they must have either participated in or be currently enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Youth Program or participated in a migrant educational program while in a public school. The student or his/her family must also have worked at least 75 days in agricultural employment in the last year, not including food processing. Students receive a monthly training stipend, housing and dining plan, health exams, financial and individualized academic planning and peer mentoring and tutoring.

Carruthers, Garrey E. and Katherine T. Chair in Economic Development

Established in 2004 with a $500,000 gift from Dean Garrey E. Carruthers and Mrs. Katherine T. Carruthers and matching state funds of $1 million from the State of New Mexico. The chair will contribute to New Mexico State University’s focus on economic and community development, and help recruit and retain faculty.

Time, Term or Academic Years: 3 years

Chairs

Endowed Chairs enable the College of Business to offer competitive salaries, research dollars and additional paid teaching time for professors. Students benefit from these gifts because they are given the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and are mentored by faculty who are motivated not only to serve as teachers but to excel as role models.

Chair=$1 million
Distinguished Chair=$1.5 million

Christmore, Patricia Faculty Teaching Award

Named for Patricia Christmore, former accounting department head, the annual award recognizes and rewards superb junior faculty members for excellence in teaching. Eligibility: Full-time, tenure-track faculty on the main campus; previous recipients ineligible for the succeeding 4 academic years. Each college sends nominations to Executive Vice President’s Office; nominees forwarded to President of ASNMSU; student government committee selects two finalists. Each of the two finalists receive $500 and plaque.

Cole, James F. Memorial Award for Service

Alumni Award: Criteria based on support to NMSU (non-monetary), involvement with NMSU, civic and humanitarian service and professional service. Nominations remain active for 3 years following the date of nomination unless nominee is selected for the award. Recipient must have attended NMSU or be an active member of the Alumni Association before the date of selection. Alumni who are members of MSU faculty or staff are also eligible. Presented during the annual Homecoming festivities.

Crouch, Ralph B. Awards

Named for the late Ralph B. Crouch, professor of mathematics, head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and associate dean of the Graduate School, the annual honor is awarded for outstanding contributions to the university. The award alternates between faculty and staff. The recognition includes an award of $2,000.

ConocoPhillips Award for Outstanding Achievement in Finance

Finance Department student award.

Darnall, Dennis Faculty Achievement Award

Recognizes NMSU faculty members who have demonstrated remarkable, broad-based accomplishments in teaching, research and service to the profession, the university and the community. The award carries a gift of $2,500 and honors the achievements and services of Dennis W. Darnall as a New Mexico State University teacher, researcher, administrator, entrepreneur and civic leader.

Distinguished Alumni

Sponsored by the Alumni Association. Recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves and brought honor and distinction to their Alma Mater. Seven awards, one for each undergraduate college and one for an international alumnus, are presented to living alumni. In addition, one or more posthumous awards may be made each year at the discretion of the Selection Committee. Nominees must have attended NMSU and are judged according to their contributions to society, and/or their profession, after attending NMSU. While not mandatory, contributions to the advancement of NMSU and service to the NMSU Alumni Association will be considered. Persons employed by NMSU or currently serving as a member of the NMSU Board of Regents, or persons active in positions relating to University operations, such as state legislators or government officials, are not eligible. presented during the annual Homecoming festivities.

ENLACE/EXITO

ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education): Founded in 2001 by the Kellogg Foundation, which was the first major foundation that focused on Latino interests. ENLACE is derived from the Spanish word enlazar, which means to link or to weave together. New Mexico has five sites and has earned state legislative funding for them. The program is focused on improving higher education opportunities for Hispanic youth.

Provides culturally and linguistically diverse students in grades 6-12 a pathway to success by supporting and teaching them skills that will lead to college admission.
Focuses on themes of cultural awareness, identity and diversity.

The program expanded to include EXITO for college level Latino students, which is similar, but the curriculum also focuses on adjusting to the campus environment and utilizing campus resources. EXITO students are assigned to a faculty or staff member based on their major, who provides a supporting role as a mentor for the student and gives them more exposure to their particular field of study.

ENLACE also helped local school districts to establish Parent Centers, where parents can learn about meaningful family engagement, getting involved with their children’s education and working together with the school program for success.

Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Finance

Finance Department student award.

FirstLight Federal Credit Union Faculty & Staff Achievement Awards

The FirstLight Federal Credit Union annually honors two faculty members–one from the main campus and one from a branch campus–for advancement of the university and service to local, state, national and international agencies. The organization also recognizes one professional and one classified employee each year for exceptional service. In 2001, FirstLight FCU created two additional awards for outstanding contributions in research and creative activity that are given each year to one faculty member and one staff member. Each FirstLight FCU honor includes a $1,500 award.

The Fulbright Program

“Fostering leadership, learning and empathy between cultures was and remains the purpose of the international scholarship program.” – Senator J. William Fulbright.

Program established in 1946 under legislation introduced by then Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas; administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

Highly competitive scholarship/grant programs for U.S. students, foreign students, post-doctoral scholars, teachers, administrators, scholars, professionals. Fulbrighters act as students, scholars, teachers, lecturers, researchers, mentors, artists, philanthropists, cultural ambassadors and advocates. Fulbright grants/scholarships are made to U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries for a variety of educational activities: primarily university lecturing, advanced research, graduate study and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Approximately 286,500 “Fulbrighters,” 108,160 from the United States and 178,340 from other countries, have participated. The Fulbright Program awards approximately 7,000 new grants annually. Currently, the Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide. Fulbright programs (as of 2008):

Fulbright Scholar Program
Fulbright Program for U.S. Students
Fulbright Program for Foreign Students
Fulbright Teacher Exchange
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
America-Mideast Education and Training Services, Inc.
Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas.

Fulton, Stan Chair in Business

Established in 2006. Endowments are invested and the interest earned can be used to recruit special, hard-to-find faculty members from across the country and to retain prestigious faculty members already on staff. Nominations/applications are vetted by current chair holders, Faculty Council, and Associate Deans.

Time, Term or Academic Years: 3 years with an opportunity for renewal.

Giving

Glossary of Terms for Development, fundraising, investing in the college.

Globalization Award

The Globalization Award was initiated by the Center for International Programs to recognize individuals who promote international understanding, cooperation, involvement and development at New Mexico State University.

Gold Standard Staff Award for Outstanding Service

College of Business staff award (split to three awards in 2005) honoring staff members in an academic department, dean’s office, and a professional staff member for outstanding service. Award is based on total ranked scores from college employee votes. Presented annually.

Eligibility: All regular full- and part-time exempt and non-exempt employees, except award recipients from the previous year. Award nominees must have worked for the college at least 1 full year prior to nomination.

Criteria:

Outstanding service to students, staff, faculty visitors and university clientele
Excellence in performing job skills.
On-the-job initiative contributing to the effectiveness of the unit.
Willingness to assist beyond normal expectations.
Contributions toward good working relationships between units in the college and university.
Consistent cooperation and helpfulness.
Dedication to the job and university.

Graduate Teaching Award

College of Business faculty award.

Hall of Fame

Established 1997: Annual award to honor outstanding College of Business alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers. Through the Hall of Fame, the college seeks to create visibility for its alumni and NMSUBusiness, while at the same time developing a stronger relationship with the business community. Normally presented last week of September.

Honorary Degrees

Selection of honorary doctoral degree recipients rests with the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University. Responsibility for seeking qualified candidates rests with University Advancement. Nominations are usually sought from the campus community, alumni and volunteers associated with the university.

Junior Research Award (faculty)

College of Business faculty award.

Loveland, John P. Professorship in Quality Management

Established in 2007 to honor Dr. Loveland’s 36 years of distinguished service to NMSU and his commitment to quality management and education.

Mountain States Insurance Group Award for Outstanding Achievement in Insurance

Finance Department student award.

Mountain States Insurance Group Endowed Chair for the Study of Insurance and Financial Services

Established in 2003 by a donation of $1 million from the Mountain States Insurance Group. Earnings from the endowment are used to support the salary and activities of the faculty member holding the chair. The chair will maintain a program emphasis in the tenets of property and casualty research.

National Merit Scholar

National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Independent, not-for-profit organization established 1955. Students compete for scholarships; must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be recommended by their principals and earn high SAT scores. Merit Scholar designees are selected on skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Winners earn the Merit Scholar title.

Outstanding Graduates

Alumni Association selects outstanding graduates from every college each semester and presented every year the Friday before commencement day: two graduate students, one international student and one American Indian student based on outstanding scholarship (grade point average, independent student or research, or other criteria indicating outstanding scholarship), leadership (active participation in activities which indicate leadership roles sought and eagerly assumed), ability (skills to conceptualize and communicate to others what can/needs to be done) and participating in university and community activities.

Outstanding Service by an Individual (ASHE)

American Society of Hispanic Economists (ASHE) “Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual.” Awarded for the first time in 2008. Subsequent awards given every 2 years.

Outstanding Student Retention and Graduation Award

Instituted in 2004; to be presented each spring, recognizes outstanding achievements in the areas of student retention and graduation rates.

Peterson, Robin T. Endowed Chair in Marketing

$1 million+ chair. Created in 2008 with gift from Brad Gordon and matching funds from the state. Earnings from the endowment are used to support the salary of the faculty member holding the chair, as well as program development and other needs.

Piñon Recognition

Quality New Mexico administers the New Mexico Quality Awards that are modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards. The NMQA program assesses and recognizes organizations at three levels: Zia Award for performance excellence, Roadrunner Recognition for progress, and Piñon Recognition for commitment.

Professional Service Award

College of Business faculty award. Formerly “Service to the Community Award.”

Professor of the Year: New Mexico

The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country–those who excel as teachers and influence the lives and careers of their students. Sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

All undergraduate teachers in the United States, of any academic rank at any type of undergraduate institution, are eligible for the award. Entries are judged by top U.S. educators and other active participants in education.

CASE launched the awards program in 1981. That same year, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching began hosting the final round of judging, and in 1982, became the primary sponsor.

Professorships

Endowed Professorships enable the College of Business to offer competitive salaries, research dollars and additional paid teaching time for professors. Students benefit because they are given the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and are mentored by faculty who are motivated not only to serve as teachers but to excel as role models.

Professorship=$250,000
Distinguished Professorship=$500,000

Regents Professorships

The Regents Professorships were established in 2002, with first awards presented in Spring 2002, by the New Mexico State University Board of Regents to recognize faculty who have made outstanding contributions to NMSU’s mission as a land-grant, doctoral research university-extensive institution and to recognize the important contribution of all NMSU faculty in the areas of education, research, extension education and public service: Regents Professors, Regents Emeritus Professor, Regents Professor Master Teachers. The Regents Professorships are conferred on distinguished faculty by the Board of Regents as a lifetime honor and with profound appreciation for their contributions.

Characteristics: Regents Professors are faculty who have served at NMSU for at least 10 years and will normally have at the time of nomination attained the rank of tenured full professor. An exception to the length of service and rank attained can be made in extreme circumstances for an individual faculty membres who record is so distinguished that the university must recognize this individual in a significant and timely way to retain the individual as a member of the NMSU faculty.

The honor carries with it an annual stipend of $12,500 to supplement the recipient’s salary. Nominations for Regents Professorships are evaluated by a committee under the direction of the provost. The provost makes recommendations to the president, who selects candidates to present to the Board of Regents for approval. To be eligible, a faculty member must have served at New Mexico State University for at least 10 years.

Regents Professors hold the title for as long as they continue to teach at New Mexico State University.

Roberts, Stephen W. and Robert E. Memorial Staff Award

Established in 1983 by George Roberts, former New Mexico State University assistant vice president for business affairs, and his wife, Bernice Roberts, in honor of their sons. The award is presented annually to a staff member who has made a positive contribution to the university and the community. The honor carries a $750 award.

Roush, Donald C. Award for Teaching Excellence

The annual Roush awards, named for a former New Mexico State University executive vice president in recognition of his 35 years of teaching improvement in New Mexico, are based on information from students, department heads, deans and branch campus directors. Normally presented in January during NMSU’s Spring Convocation.

Senior Research Award (faculty)

College of Business faculty award.

Service to the College Award

College of Business faculty award.

Spirit of Service Award

NMSU Foundation award: Honors donors and others who have contributed to a college or unit in ways other than funds. Normally presented in the Fall semester during Homecoming week.

Taylor, J. Paul Professorship

Established in honor of J. Paul Taylor, a retired state representative who received three degrees from NMSU, a bachelor’s in 1942, a master’s in 1954 and a Specialist in Education in 1963. He has been a lifelong advocate for K–12 education, most notably early childhood and bilingual education.

Traders’ Award

Introduced in 2006; created to honor individuals who have given exceptional service to the College of Business.

Undergraduate Teaching Award

College of Business faculty award.

University Research Council Early Career Award

NMSU award.

Time, Term or Academic Year: Academic Year

University Research Council Awards for Exceptional Achievement in Creative Scholarly Activity

Presented annually by the University Research Council: Each academic college (exception of Arts and Sciences), the library, the Physical Sciences Lab and other research centers may nominate up to two individuals or teams for each award. College of Arts and Sciences may nominate three candidates for each award in either the sciences or the humanities. Each individual or creative team award winner receives $2,000 during Fall Convocation.

Early Career Award: Two awards to early career faculty, staff or teams with an appointment at NMSU between 2 and 6 years at the time of nomination.

Distinguished Career Award: Two awards to senior faculty, staff or teams with 6 or more years at NMSU at time of nomination.

Westhafer Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research or Creative Activity

Given in alternating years for excellence in teaching and excellence in research and creative activity. Eligibility: all members of the NMSU faculty who hold the rank of instructor or above and who are actively engaged in teaching. Criteria based on class presentation and student learning; lasting influences on programs and students. Presented in memory of Robert L. Westhafer, professor in the Department of Mathematics from 1946 to 1957. The annual award carries a $3,000 gift.

Wells Fargo Professorship

Eligibility: All College of Business tenured and tenure track senior (rank of associate or full professor) faculty.

Time, Term or Academic Year: 3 years

Wichert, Peter Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Finance

Finance Department student award.