One of the greatest traditions we have at the Texas Exes is honoring members of the campus community who continually raise the bar in higher education and live out the mission of The University of Texas.
The Texas Excellence Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of students, advisors, and faculty members on the Forty Acres. These individuals have gone above and beyond in their study, mentorship, and teaching.
FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS
Jean Holloway Award
Recognizing teachers from the College of Liberal Arts or Natural Sciences who demonstrate a warm spirit, a concern for society and the individual, and the ability to impart knowledge while challenging students to independent inquiry and creative thought.
Dr. Amanda Hager
Mathematics
“Pandemic teaching is hard. You can’t see the students, you can’t measure their reactions or progress, you can’t check in with them as easily. It’s so hard to know whether you are doing a good job. So it means the world to me that my students took the time to nominate me for this award, and I’m positively floored that I won it. I’m never going to stop working to give my students an amazing experience with the world of math. Thank you students, thank you Texas Exes, and Hook ‘Em!”
FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS
The James W. Vick Advising Award
Recognizing individuals who improve students’ overall experience at The University of Texas at Austin through outstanding advising.
Jessica Bradford
Jackson School of Geosciences
“To be nominated, and then awarded, by my students is an amazing feeling. I’m both humbled and flattered to earn such an award. Simply knowing that I’m made an impact on my students’ lives has been nothing short of wonderful.”
Ana Dison
BS ’92, Cockrell School of Engineering
“First of all, thank you. It is wonderful to be included in the company of so many esteemed colleagues that I have worked with during my time here at UT. To be nominated and selected by students is uplifting as it demonstrates that my contributions and work are valued and appreciated. Additionally, I have a personal connection to Dr. Vick. He is a family friend and to be honored with this award, in his name, is precious to me. I truly believe that I have the best job on campus, working with the best team of students and staff and I would not be here with their support.”
Lia Haisley
College of Liberal Arts
“I am incredibly honored to receive the James W. Vick Award for Academic Advising. So much of my job satisfaction comes from knowing I’ve made a positive difference in my student’s lives, and this award is wonderful affirmation of this.”
Jessica Silva
BS ’07, BS ’12, Life Member, College of Education
“As a UT Alumna, I understand the impact an Advisor can have on your academic journey; I constantly sing praises about my Advisor who turned into a lifelong mentor. To know that I've made it to close to his level in my student's eyes makes my heart happy. I do this to give back, to pay it forward, to help these amazing humans reach their goals. Someone cared about me when I was at UT and now I get to be that someone for current students. I feel honored to be a small part of their journey. I'm Blessed beyond words.”
Susan Somers
MA ’12, College of Liberal Arts
“The Vick Award is one of the most meaningful awards to advisors, as students serve both as the nominators and selection committee. Helping students is the most rewarding part of my job, and knowing they took the time to nominate me is really moving.”
STUDENT AWARDS
President’s Leadership Award
Recognizing undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the student community.
Samantha Bryant
Class of 2021, Business Honors, Marketing, McCombs School of Business, Life Member
“Being a recipient of the Texas Exes President's Leadership Award is a dream come true! When I arrived at UT, I had no idea how I would be able to make a difference on such a large campus, but four years later I feel like I've gotten to do far more than I ever imagined possible during my time in college. I'm excited to represent some of the amazing leaders within the UT community, and I'm so grateful for all the opportunities I've gotten to serve and lead others during my time on the Forty Acres!”
Grace Farley
Class of 2021, Social Work, Plan II Honors, School of Social Work, College of Liberal Arts, Life Member
“I want to thank the many student leaders across campus who inspire me with their deep care for the community, mentorship, and advocacy. To be nominated and selected for this award among so many incredible leaders makes me feel seen and valued. I will continue to work hard to build a UT community where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered to change the world.”
Jiarong Joyce He
Class of 2022, Honors Computer Science, Business Honors, College of Natural Sciences, McCombs School of Business, Life Member
“Receiving the President's Leadership Award was such a wonderful surprise! I am honored that the Texas Exes committee chose me, and it definitely is a huge encouragement to continue striving to make an impact on my community at UT. My past two years at UT have been a rollercoaster, but I can't wait to see how else I can serve and lead on the 40 acres!”
Pranav Jayaraman
BSA ’20, Life Member
“I am grateful and honored to receive the 2021 Texas Exes President’s Leadership Award. For many UT is not just a place for education, but a safe haven for identity and an enabler for their aspirations. College is already difficult as it is, so doing anything to make these formative years easier for these future professionals, academics and other world-changers such as providing purpose, companionship or entertainment is why I have been so committed to contributing to campus life whether through, advocacy for green spaces, creating an inclusive community through Texas Crohn’s and Colitis Initiative or making the reality of life events more palatable through my comedy at Longhorn Latenight. Even during the interview process itself, it was inspiring to hear from the alumni members on their own experiences at UT, and how it has impacted their outlooks. I hope this recognition can spur others to similarly get in involved in making campus a wonderful place. I look forward to continuing meaningfully contribute to others, as forty acres has done for me, through my climate resilience work and other future endeavors.”
Ethan Jones
Class of 2021, Business Honors, Public Relations, McCombs School of Business, Moody College of Communications, Life Member
“I feel so blessed and honored to receive the President's Leadership Award! My time at UT has been defined by my passion for serving in and giving back to the communities that have provided me with so many opportunities, through various leadership roles and extracurricular activities in the Canfield Business Honors Program, the Neighborhood Longhorn Program, Silver Spurs, and Student Government. I am incredibly grateful I have had the opportunity to use my passion for servant leadership to impact my community, and I’m excited to continue doing so in my matriculation here at UT and beyond the Forty Acres!”
Brianna McBride
Class of 2021, Communication and Leadership, Government, Moody College of Communication, College of Liberal Arts, Life Member
“This award represents all of the work and dedication I have to leaving The University of Texas at Austin a better place from when I started. It means that if you truly want to make an impact beyond yourself, that you can, and your impact will last!”
STUDENT AWARDS
Texas Exes Tejas Club Campus Leadership Award
Recognizing student leaders who make an impact on student life.
Sharif Long
Class of 2021, Biology, Plan II Honors, College of Natural Sciences, College of Liberal Arts
“With my ambitions to attend medical school and having a deep passion for community engagement, receiving this award would not only minimize the financial barriers but would also enable my educational experience and secure my ability to serve everyone around me. Throughout my time on the Forty Acres, the opportunities I've been granted, especially through the Tejas Club community have empowered me to find my voice and invest in my personal development. I have so much respect for the Tejas Club for facilitating an environment that has encouraged me not to feel confined to fit into UT but to make UT fit me and utilize my personality, ability, and efforts for the betterment of the community. For that, I am extremely humbled to be recognized and validated in the growth I have experienced over the past several years.”
STUDENT AWARDS
Edward S. Guleke Student Excellence Award
Recognizing juniors who have distinguished academic credentials, have contributed to the university through campus-wide activities, and has character and integrity.
Suseth Muñoz
Class of 2021, Applied Learning and Development, Government, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts
“The Guleke Student Excellence Award is a testament to my efforts to make this campus a more equitable space for marginalized students. The work that I do through the Senate of College Councils during the summer to advocate for issues around racial equity has been to create a community where students feel welcomed and proud to be here. Because of the positionality of my positions, I find it my duty to advocate for survivable conditions for underserved communities at UT and beyond. Change needs to start here and translate onto the world, and that can only happen if students feel supported. While this award is being given to me, I also see it as an extension of the other people I have met while working on different initiatives in my various roles. The support that these people have given me fuels my passions and my drive to make this campus a better place for more people to come. So thank you to all of you!”