TXST announces 2025–2026 Outstanding Mentor and Master’s Thesis Award recipients

Texas State University has announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award and Outstanding Master’s Thesis Awards, which recognize excellence in graduate student mentorship and scholarship across disciplines.

Anthony Torres, Ph.D., P.E.: Mentoring Students to Success

Anthony Torres, a professor in the Department of Engineering Technology, received The Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award. Torres emphasized that his students’ success, in many ways, is the ultimate measure of his own success as an educator.

He credited his colleagues at TXST for modeling leadership, compassion, and integrity, including Vedaraman Sriraman, Ph.D., Sean Kerwin, Ph.D., Paula Williamson, Ph.D., Patti Giuffre, Ph.D., and Dean Andrea Golato, Ph.D.

“I also believe mentorship goes both ways; my students mentor me as well,” he said. “They continually teach me new perspectives, help me grow as an educator, and push me to keep improving how I mentor and inspire others.”

Alexander Tawiah: Examining Digital Media and Political Communication

Alexander Tawiah, who earned a master of arts in mass communication in May, received the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Social Sciences, Education, and Business. His thesis, Social Media Campaign Strategies: A Case Study of Political Issue Framing by Presidential Candidates in Ghana, was directed by Cindy Royal, Ph.D.

Tawiah added that the recognition highlights the value of communicating research to broader audiences.

“Winning this award showed me how powerful it can be when research reaches people beyond academia,” he said.

A first-generation student who completed his undergraduate degree in Ghana, Tawiah’s interest in media began during his sophomore year when he created an online campus news outlet. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree and plans to research the interaction between digital platforms, politics, and journalistic practice, while also teaching digital media skills at the university level.

“I am thankful to the TXST School of Media and Mass Communication faculty for their mentorship and the strong foundation that has prepared me for my journey in digital media scholarship,” he said.

Jackson F. Burkholder: Exploring Plant Anatomy Through Research and Visuals

Jackson F. Burkholder, who earned a master of science in biology in Summer 2024, received the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the life and biological sciences category. His thesis, Comparative Anatomy of Extrafloral Nectaries in the Cactus Family (Cactaceae), was directed by David Lemke, Ph.D.

Burkholder said he was honored by the recognition and offered advice to fellow graduate students: “Persevere and be as thorough with your research as possible. Even if it seems impossible to finish at the time, you will have a final product that you’ll always be proud of.”

He first became captivated by plant anatomy as an undergraduate, where he discovered that he could combine his love of plants with optics and other visual techniques.

“I find the patterns of cells and the minute anatomical details of plants endlessly fascinating for both their scientific and artistic value,” Burkholder said.

Burkholder credited Lemke for providing both structure and encouragement throughout the research process.

“Dr. Lemke guided me through the basic techniques I would need for my research,” he said. “After that, he encouraged me to experiment with new approaches, which gave me the experience and confidence to adapt my methods to the challenging samples I was working with.”

He also expressed gratitude toward his family.

Now a doctoral student, Burkholder hopes to work with natural history collections at a botanical garden or museum. 

Emma Bayless: Telling Stories Through Theatrical Design

Emma Bayless, a master of fine arts student in theatre, received the Outstanding Non-traditional Thesis/Project Award for her scenic design for Our Town by Thornton Wilder. Her project was mentored by Cheri Prough DeVol, Ph.D.

“I feel honored to be given this recognition,” Bayless said. “As a theatrical designer, I never expected to receive academic awards, and I am pleased at the opportunity to share my non-traditional thesis work.”

Bayless credited her advisor, DeVol for her guidance throughout the project.

“She was a sounding board for me as I worked through my research, sketching, and development phases for the design,” she said. “Her compassion and expertise made her an amazing mentor.”

Bayless began designing for theatre during high school, motivated by her love of both artistry and the technical skills the field requires.

She plans to continue designing both scenery and lighting for professional productions around the country and to pursue university-level teaching opportunities, while also looking forward to spending time with her small family, having recently become a mother.

As competition winners, Torres will receive a $2,500 research award, while Tawiah, Burkholder, and Bayless will each receive $500. All four recipients will be recognized at The Graduate College’s awards ceremony in May 2026, and The Graduate College has submitted their entries to the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools’ regional competitions.