College of Education Celebrates Staff, Faculty, Partners and Educators

UTEP celebrated the dedication of alumni, staff, educators and community partners at the second annual College of Education Recognition Event on March 30, 2023, at 150 Sunset Event Center.

“It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators and community partners in our region,” said Clifton Tanabe, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education. “We are so excited about this and so grateful to be able to serve the children and families of our region.”

This year, the college honored two novice teachers and five mentors from the region.

Novice teachers Miriam Minjarez from Tornillo ISD and Ashley Ann Ornelas from Clint ISD received the Evelyn Schwartz Endowed Award, which honors recipients’ innovative and impactful practices and encourages advocacy for the teaching profession in the community. Both recipients graduated from UTEP in 2021.

The John and Gloria Lavis Excellence Award was awarded to mentor teachers Michael Evanko Douglas and Stephanie Herrera from Socorro ISD, Erica Johnson from Fabens ISD, Richard Moore from Canutillo ISD, and Michelle Ware from Clint ISD. These educators were honored for demonstrating a positive mentoring relationship with UTEP’s teacher residents.

Each novice teacher received $1,000, and each mentor teacher earned $2,500.

For the first time, the UTEP College of Education presented faculty and staff awards for exceptional contributions to advancing the mission of the University and college.

Edna Martinez, Ph.D., chair and associate professor from the Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations, received the 2023 Outstanding Faculty Award. She was recognized for the impactful contribution she has made in the short period she has served as chair.

The 2023 Outstanding Staff Award winner was Margarito Navarro, administrative services coordinator from the Teacher Education Department. Navarro, who has been at UTEP for two decades, was recognized for his commitment and service to the college.

Terry McGreehan, chair of the College of Education Advisory Board and former division vice president and general manager at ADP, received the Partnership Recognition for his invaluable partnership and support. Through his vision and stewardship of the ADP Math and Science Teachers (MaST) Academy at UTEP, McGreehan has supported the successful training and development of math and science students who have since become teachers in our region.

This event was sponsored by Raiz Federal Credit Union.

Congratulations to all award recipients for making a difference and impact on education!