President Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D. | University of Dallas website

IRVING, Texas (Jan. 25, 2024) — The University of Dallas honored its dedicated faculty members at the annual King/Haggar Awards Ceremony held last Tuesday. This ceremony is a celebration of faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to research and teaching, as well as those who are retiring. The event highlights the Haggar Scholar Awards for faculty research, the Haggerty Excellence in Teaching Awards for outstanding educators, and the King and Haggar Fellow Awards for professors who excel in both scholarship and teaching.

This year, the top honors went to Associate Professor of Italian Anthony Nussmeier, PhD, and Professor of Politics Richard Dougherty, MA ’89 PhD ’93. Nussmeier was awarded the Haggar Fellow Award for his remarkable research on Dante and his contributions to the development of the Italian major. Associate Professor of Drama Kyle Lemieux, MFA, praised Nussmeier for his dedication to the university, stating, "His energy is indefatigable; he threw himself into the life of the university from the moment he arrived. His congenial collegiality is renowned, and his promotion of Italian events, Masses and the major itself has been an unforgettable gift to the university."

Dougherty, who also serves as the dean of the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, received the King Fellow Award. He is the first Braniff alumnus to hold this position and has made significant contributions to the field of medieval political philosophy and Augustine studies. Provost Matthias Vorwerk, PhD, commended Dougherty for his passion, insight, and care for students. "Students admire his care and concern for them and appreciate the rigor of his lectures and seminars," remarked Vorwerk.

In addition to Nussmeier and Dougherty, several other faculty members were recognized for their outstanding achievements. The Haggar Scholar Awards, which provide research funding, were presented to a number of faculty members from various disciplines including English, Finance, Biology, and Theology, among others.

Several professors were granted sabbatical leave to further their research and professional development. These include faculty members from the English, Theology, Art, Mathematics, Classics, and Biology departments.

The Haggerty Excellence in Teaching Awards were presented to faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional skills in connecting with students. These awards were given to professors from the Business, Physics, Classics, History, and English departments.

Lastly, the university bid farewell to several esteemed professors who will be retiring at the end of the academic year. These retiring professors include individuals from the Philosophy, Physics, and Art departments. William Frank and Fr. James Lehrberger, OCist, have been granted emeritus status in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

The University of Dallas expresses its gratitude to the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Edmond R. Haggar, for their generous contributions that make the Haggar Scholar, Haggar Fellow, and King Fellow Awards possible. The Haggerty Teaching Excellence Awards are made possible by the generosity of The Haggerty Family Foundation.

The University of Dallas continues to recognize and honor its exceptional faculty members, who play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of their students. Through their dedication to research, teaching, and mentorship, these professors exemplify excellence in academia.