Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. made two significant award presentations during Fall Convocation last week in Ed Landreth Auditorium. David Cross (Psychology) received the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar, an honor which includes a $20,000 check.  Christopher R. Watts (Communication Sciences & Disorders) was named recipient of the 14th annual Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community.  A check for $3,000 accompanies the recognition.

 

David Cross joined TCU in 1985.  His service has included teaching a multitude of undergraduate and graduate courses and scholarly research that analyzes the big issues confronting developmental and educational psychology.  One of his colleagues notes, “Dave’s courses—whether they are taught in the classroom or in the field—epitomize the teacher-scholar model and are great examples of the power of the teacher-scholar model.  Not only do his students learn from his extensive knowledge, they are often actively involved with him in the creation of new knowledge.”

 

“This nomination means more to me than any other professional achievement I have earned in my career, “ said Chris Watts. Asked to comment on successful mentoring, he says, “I care about my students.  I care about them as people, I care about what they learn, I care about how they learn and the depth to which they learn, I care about their health and wellbeing, and I care about their future. I think that must be where all mentoring starts.”