The Academic Affairs Committee of the Student Government Association’s House of Representatives has selected its 2015-16 Faculty Members of the Year. From 326 anonymous nominations, SGA and a team of student volunteers selected the most outstanding professor in each school or college.
TCU’s Student Government Association represents the collective voice of the student body and serves the spirit of the Horned Frog community through service, programming and legislation for change on campus.
The list of winners, and comments from students’ nominations, are as follows:
Dr. Curby Alexander—College of Education
“Dr. Alexander goes above and beyond any professor I have ever seen. I was blown away by his passion and that he knows my name in a class of 100 students. I learn from him, and he makes me excited to be an educator one day.”
Jean Marie Brown—Bob Schieffer College of Communication
“Jean is one of the best professors I have ever had. I’ve never seen someone care more about students than Jean does. She is always available to offer guidance (career or class related), help on assignments or even just to chat about life. She is incredibly intelligent and willing to share her expertise. She is innovating the classroom and curriculum to keep us the on the forefront of technology. I am lucky to have Jean as a professor, and so is TCU.”
Dr. Matt Chumchal—College of Science & Engineering
“Not only is Dr. Chumchal one of the best professors I have had in school, but he has also been one of the biggest mentors to me and other pre-health students. Dr. Chumchal meets with students on a daily basis to help guide them through the intimidating world of pre-health. No professor has been more invested in my success or the success of other students than Dr. Chumchal. He is also one of the biggest fans of TCU and its students that I know. He constantly reminds us of how proud he is to know and work with the students here, and I am proud to have learned from him.”
Dr. Grant Ferguson—AddRan College of Liberal Arts
“Dr. Ferguson is a great professor and mentor. He is always available to listen to students’ concerns and questions and ensures that everyone’s opinions are heard. He is an outstanding professor who has helped me with many life decisions. He is knowledgeable, professional, organized and honest.”
Bill Galyean—College of Fine Arts
“Bill is hands-down the most encouraging and admirable teacher in the college. He brings joy to the classroom as well as professional experience. He treats every student with respect and is truly interested in their growth. He is patient and kind but also pushes his students past their limits. Bill is truly passionate about what he does and is striving to make TCU the best university it can be.”
John Mathis—Neeley School of Business
“Professor Mathis is one of the kindest professors I have come across, and coupled with his depth of knowledge of business, he makes an outstanding professor. He is knowledgeable and contributes significant amounts of his personal time to other organizations within Neeley, such as Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity. He’s just an awesome guy overall.”
Dr. Brenda Reed—Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
“Dr. Reed was my clinical instructor last semester. I feel like I grew the most as a student when she was my instructor in the hospital. She is an incredible teacher and does everything possible to make her students better nurses. I had an accident this semester with my wrist, and she was the person I [called]. She is continually there for me even though she is not my teacher this semester. She’s an outstanding person and probably the sweetest teacher I’ve ever had. She always builds her students up and talks to us like we are equals. She has by far been my favorite instructor in the three years I’ve been a student at TCU. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Dr. Dan Williams—John V. Roach Honors College
“He has shown unconditional service and selfless leadership to his students. His determination and motivation are inspiring. He has nourished our intellectual curiosity.”