The University of Tennessee added to its list of Torchbearers and Macebearers Wednesday night at the annual provost’s honors banquet paying tribute to the school’s most distinguished students and faculty.
Otis Stephens, a UT Alumni Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, was named Macebearer, the university’s highest faculty award. It symbolizes the faculty’s commitment to serve students and society.
Stephens, also a resident scholar in the law college, is a two-time recipient of the alumni Outstanding Teaching award and was a visiting fellow in law and political science at Harvard University.
Eric Beaty, Becky Cassill, Brad Collett, Catherine Dalton, Laura Lefler, English Rockholt and Charles Scruggs were named Torchbearers, the highest student honors given by at UT.
Beaty was honored for his work with SGA, in which he served as president this year. He was an orientation leader, and served in various committees, such as the All Campus Events Committee.
Cassill, who just completed her term as SGA vice president, was active in ACE, Alternative Spring Break, as well as other groups.
Collett worked in the Interfraternity Council, the Love Kitchen, SGA Alternative Spring Break and the Beaumont Elementary School mentoring program.
Dalton, the current chair of the Undergraduate Academic Council, received the Torchbearer for her work in groups including, UT Ambassadors, Campus Crusade for Christ and the Panhellenic Council.
Lefler, an orientation leader and president of this year’s Dance Marathon, served as director of the Volunteer Action Committee and worked in the Blue-Orange Blood Drive, Campus Chest and the Residents’ Outreach program.
Rockholt served on ACE, the Cultural Affairs Board, the Senior Gift Steering Committee and the Commission for Women, among others.
Scruggs was named a Torchbearer for founding The Cross, a Christian ministry for UT sororities and fraternities. He was an orientation leader and was active in the SGA.
Edwin Burdette, professor of civil and environmental engineering, was awarded the Alexander Prize, which recognizes a faculty member who shows excellence in the classroom and in the pursuit of scholarship.
The UT National Alumni Association’s Outstanding Teacher Awards were presented to: Robert Bast, Maureen Groer, William Larsen, and Don Leatherman.
David Fox, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, was awarded the alumni association’s public service award for his 30 years of volunteer work in area schools and the community.
This year’s Extraordinary Customer Service Award was given to June Trbovich, program resource specialist in the management department.
Omar Jackson received the Gene Mitchell Gray Pioneer Award for promoting cultural diversity on campus.
Mary Holtman, Arthur Echternacht and Ronald McFadden were recognized for service to the community.
Kathryn Wise, Matthew Thigpen, Amy Shuppert, Nancy Dickerson, Matthew Disney, Jennifer Gamble and James Schwab received campus citations for leadership and service.
Thomas W. Broadhead, William J. Lauer, J.J. Brown, Pamela Hindle and Janine Jennings were faculty and staff honored for service.
Sergey Gavrilets, Carl Sams, Jan Simek, Lawrence Townsend and Dolly Young received Research and Creative Achievement Awards.
Robert Hinde, Michael Jackson, Vejas Liulevicius and Cynthia Rocha were presented for professional promise in research and creative achievement.
