Presidential Award of Excellence for Faculty Service to International Students

2006 Finalists

Dr. N.K. Anand
Professor and Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dwight Look College of Engineering

Once an international student himself, Dr. Anand is a dedicated faculty member who, for over 20 years, has diligently served international students in both the department of Mechanical Engineering and the College of Engineering. He has reached out to over two thousand international students with a compassion that is infrequently matched. He has personally mentored and nurtured the careers of over a hundred international graduate students during his career at Texas A&M University and touched the lives of over 2,000 more. Many international students regard him as a great scholar and a true gentleman, who will assist them with diligence and distinction, and is instrumental in making them Aggies.

Dr. David A. Bessler
Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics

Dr. David A. Bessler has displayed a long-term commitment to international students throughout his 23 years at Texas A&M. In and outside of his classes, Dr. Bessler strives to give students an awareness of cultural diversity in modern thought. For many international students, he has facilitated the Aggie experience, helped build strong professional competencies, and has been of great assistance after graduation. His cultural sensitivity has been integral in making international students feel welcome at Texas A&M. Dr. Bessler has earned the respect and gratitude of the many international students he has touched with his constant support, help, and guidance.

Dr. J. Lawrence Mitchell
Professor, Department of English

Throughout his 16 years at Texas A&M, Dr. Mitchell has exhibited a rare sensitivity to the needs of international students. He has done his best to ensure that international students were integrated not only into Texas A&M, but also into the fabric of the Bryan/College Station community. Dr. Mitchell emphasizes the importance of diversity and has increased international awareness in the Department of English, for both students and professors. The spirit with which he engages international students intellectually and personally makes Dr. Mitchell an excellent example of what faculty can do to ensure that international students thrive at A&M as well as that all students benefit from the experience of sharing their knowledge and unique cultural perspectives.