Dedman College Celebrates 2025–2026 Faculty Award Recipients

As the 2025–2026 academic year came to a close, Dedman College recognized its outstanding faculty members during the end-of-year faculty meeting. A number of awards and honors were presented to faculty whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, scholarship, research, assessment, and service to both the University and the broader community. 

Laurence Perrine Prize

2026 Recipient: Elizabeth “Libby” Russ 

Named after Laurence Perrine, a longtime SMU English professor and founding member of SMU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, this award is presented annually to a member of the undergraduate faculty in liberal studies. The Laurence Perrine Prize recognizes excellence in both scholarship and teaching, honoring faculty who demonstrate outstanding intellectual contribution within the liberal arts tradition. 

Caren Prothro Faculty Service Award

2026 Recipients: David Son and Matthew Wilson 

The Caren Prothro Faculty Service Award honors a full-time Dedman College faculty member who demonstrates exceptional service to both SMU and the Dallas community through leadership, engagement, and dedication beyond the classroom. 

Laura Kesselman Devlin Instructorship Award

Recipient: Richard Treat 

The Laura Kesselman Devlin Award commemorates Laura Devlin, a first-year writing teacher remembered for her academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and human concern. Presented annually, the award recognizes continuing excellence in teaching by a full-time faculty member whose primary teaching responsibility is in the DISC program. 

The Sterling R.E. Havens Instructorship Award

Recipient: Mary Catherine Mueller 

For recognition of outstanding teaching in the Writing and Reasoning program  

Dedman Family Distinguished Professor 

Recipient: Klaus Desmet 

The Dedman Family Distinguished Professor title is a prestigious endowed professorship awarded to full professors in recognition of exceptional accomplishments in research, teaching, and service at the national and international level. 

Assessment Awards

Continuing Excellence in Assessment

M.S. in Data Science and Applied Statistics 

Exemplary Use of Results for Improvement

Department of Anthropology 

Excellence in Common Curriculum Assessment

Department of World Languages and Literature 

In addition to honoring this year’s award recipients and retirees, the ceremony also recognized Bonnie Wheeler, professor and director of the Medieval Studies Program, for 50 years of service to SMU. Her five decades of contributions to teaching, scholarship, and academic leadership were celebrated as part of the event.

Dedman College congratulates this year’s honorees and thanks them for their continued contributions to academic excellence, innovation, and service across the University community.