Great professors and lecturers can make a lasting impact on a student's college experience. Recognizing the important role faculty members play in student-athletes' lives, fellow faculty member L. Cate Bedard, Lecturer/Faculty Athletics Representative, proposed the Most Valuable Professor (MVP) award for UTPB Athletics. 

The MVP award celebrates faculty members who go above and beyond to support student-athletes' academic success, personal growth, and journey beyond the playing field. The idea for the MVP award came to Bedard, when she attended a conference last year and heard of a similar idea from a Faculty Athletics Representative from a different school. 

"For our athletics department, this award represents our commitment to academic excellence and the importance of building relationships," said Kelci Martinez, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Success. "What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it comes directly from our student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to nominate a professor who has encouraged, supported, and inspired them." 

Each month student-athletes are asked to nominate a faculty member who made a positive impact on their academic success, personal growth, and overall college experience. 

"I thought it was a great way to acknowledge faculty that go above and beyond for student-athletes," said Bedard. "I loved the idea of it being a vote from the student-athletes themselves. The students are why we are here, so hopefully receiving an award from them makes the faculty feel appreciated."  

This month's MVP is Connie Grewell, lecturer in the Department of Mathematics within the College of Engineering and Sciences. Student-athletes who voted for her described her as interactive, caring, and welcoming. Additionally, they said she is "the best math teacher they have ever had, who teaches math class in unique ways so the whole room understands." 

"Having our first MVP Professor Award is an exciting milestone for our department, and a great tradition we will continue as we get the opportunity to recognize the incredible impact our professors have on the lives of our student-athletes," said Martinez.