Posted on May 22, 2013 by Wendy Frost
Three College of Business faculty members were recognized at the University Excellence Awards Ceremony in April.
Tom Cannon, senior lecturer in marketing, was named the recipient of the President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in University Service. He contributes both his time and expertise to a wide range of service activities at UTSA. His devotion and passion for service are outstanding. And, in most cases, he takes on a leadership role in his service commitments.
Cannon has consulted across campus to assist others in their marketing efforts. This has included advising Business Affairs with their branding, designing the UTSA campaign for the Bauerle Parking Garage and consulting with the UTSA Police Department.
Utilizing his professional expertise to benefit UTSA, he has served on more than 40 committees during his 15 years at UTSA.
This award recognizes, encourages and rewards faculty who are exemplary in their commitment to service within the university.
Faculty members Anita Leffel, senior lecturer and assistant director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship (CITE), and Ron Sweet, lecturer in finance, were named recipients of the Richard S. Howe Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Leffel is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher and mentor who has taught at UTSA for 12 years. She was instrumental in designing the college’s entrepreneurship programs and launching CITE.
“I am humbled to receive the Howe Award for undergraduate teaching,” said Leffel. “Dr. Howe is a role model for achieving the highest standard of excellence in teaching, and the award in his name recognizes and acknowledges not just my effort, but my constant drive to achieve the highest results.”
One particular program that she has spearheaded is the $100K Student Technology Venture Competition. This biannual competition gives students hands-on experience as early-stage entrepreneurs.
In total, over 350 students have participated in the competition since 2007, and over 75 new ventures have been pitched to investors.
Sweet’s commitment to undergraduate students is exemplified by his endeavors to make a difference in the lives of his students through teaching, tutoring and mentorship. He has a passion for finance and a drive to have a positive impact on students.
Most recently he has employed YouTube as a forum to engage his students. Technical topics are taught by video so that class time can be focused on discussion, debate and the development of critical thinking. In addition to his teaching, Sweet also serves as the faculty advisor to the college’s Investment Society.
Recipients of the Howe Award were chosen based on sustained excellence in working with undergraduate students in signature experiences outside the traditional classroom environment.
Please send your comments to: wendy.frost@utsa.edu
— Wendy Frost
