Regents Approve 17 Regents Professors, 13 Regents Fellows
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System has approved the designation of 17 faculty members as Regents Professors and 13 agency service, extension and research professionals as Regents Fellows for exemplary performance and professional service during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
“The exceptional achievements of these individuals reflect the very heart of The Texas A&M University System’s mission to serve the state of Texas — a mission rooted in our founding as a land-grant institution,” said Chairman Robert Albritton. “Since the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas opened its doors in 1876, our System has carried forward a promise of practical education, research and service for all Texans. These Regents Professors and Fellows embody that enduring commitment, and their dedication will inspire others across our universities and agencies.”
The Regents Professor Award program, established in 1996, recognizes faculty members whose contributions advance the academic institutions and serve the people of Texas. Since its inception, 323 faculty across the System have been honored.
The Regents Fellow Service Award, instituted in 1997, acknowledges exceptional service by professionals in A&M System agencies; to date 201 agency professionals have been recognized.
This year’s recipients of the Regents’ Professors Award are:
- Dr. Larry Davis, Texas A&M University-Texarkana
- Dr. Darryl J. de Ruiter, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Walter Den, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Dr. Catherine Eckel, Texas A&M University
- Dr. James E. Gentry, Tarleton State University
- Dr. Tracy B. Henley, East Texas A&M University
- Dr. Arul Jayaraman, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Gerard Kyle, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Ty E. Lawrence, West Texas A&M University
- Dr. Wenshe Liu, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Rajesh C. Miranda, Texas A&M University
- Dr. Aliakbar Montazer Haghighi, Prairie View A&M University
- Dr. Marco A. Palma, Texas A&M University
- Dr. David Ramirez, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
- Dr. Mary L. Thornton, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- Dr. Ping Yang, Texas A&M University
This year’s recipients of the Regents Fellows Award are:
- Ms. Samantha Fabian, Texas Division of Emergency Management
- Dr. Girisha K. Ganjegunte, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
- Dr. Julie Gardner, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Dr. Gabriel Gomez, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
- Mr. Jimmy L. Henry, Prairie View A&M University Extension
- Dr. Katie L. Lewis, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
- Dr. Michael “Shane” McLellan, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Dr. Eun Sug Park, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
- Mrs. Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service
- Mr. Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service
- Mr. Darren Smith, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
- Mr. Country Weidler, Texas Division of Emergency Management
- Dr. Josias Zietsman, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Award recipients are designated “Regents Professor” or “Regents Fellow” for the duration of their employment within the A&M System. They will receive a stipend of $15,000 — payable as $5,000 annually for three consecutive years — funded through their employing institution or agency. Each recipient will receive a commemorative medallion bearing the A&M System seal and a certificate signed by Chairman Albritton and Chancellor Glenn Hegar.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the nation, with an annual budget of $8.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and Texas A&M–RELLIS. The System serves approximately 175,000 students and reaches millions more through service, research, and outreach programs annually. With nearly $1.6 billion in research expenditures each year, the A&M System fuels innovation, strengthens communities, and drives Texas’ economy.
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