Three Tarleton State University faculty members have been named recipients of the university’s most prestigious teaching awards: The Jack and Louise Arthur Excellence in Teaching award, the Barry B. Thompson Service award and the Faculty Excellence in Research award.

The recipients were notified April 3 by Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio, who paid a surprise visit to each winner in his or her classroom, and in the case of one recipient, a long-distance phone call served in making the announcement.

The awards will go to Dr. Jennifer Edwards, Ms. Francine Pratt and Dr. Nathan Heller. Each receives a cash award of $1,500 and will be formally honored at a private banquet on April 24 with their families in attendance.

Edwards, an assistant professor in the communication studies department, was recognized as the winner of the Jack and Louise Arthur Excellence in Teaching award for her innovative and engaging teaching methods, as well as her rapport with students. Edwards is known for incorporating service learning in her courses and, following her primary focus of research, has included social media in her classes.

The Jack and Louise Arthur Excellence in Teaching award was first presented in 1989 to recognize superior classroom instruction and a commitment to creating a quality educational environment.

Pratt, an assistant professor and field coordinator in the social work department, was recognized as winner of the Barry B. Thompson Service award for her passion in all endeavors with students, the campus community and for her contributions outside the classroom. Pratt’s students benefit from her development of new outreach and collaborative efforts with outside agencies that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to practical experiences.



The Barry B. Thompson Service award was created in 1997 to recognize members of the faculty who go beyond the classroom in their devotion to the university and their students.

Heller, an assistant professor of management and marketing in the Department of Management, Marketing and Administrative Systems, was recognized as the winner of the Faculty Excellence in Research award for his quality research, collaborative spirit with both Tarleton and other institutions, and the publication of several scholarly works and presentations. Serving as a distant faculty member and advisor to graduate students enrolled in the online MBA program from his offices in Arizona, his primary research focus involves marketing and business strategies.

The Faculty Excellence in Research award was created by the Faculty Senate to honor educators for their success in academic research and scholarly studies.