Each year, TCU deans pour over reams of documents outlining the accomplishments and accolades of 16 outstanding faculty nominated by their peers for two of TCU’s highest university-level awards: Deans’ Award for Research and Creativity, and Deans’ Award for Teaching. They discuss and deliberate among them themselves, and then vote for their top three for each award.
This year’s six honorees are: Michael Faggella-Luby, Emily Lund, Anton Naumov, Kathleen Kyzar, Michele Meitl, and Tracey Rockett.
“These six represent the best in TCU’s acclaimed teacher-scholar model,” said Floyd L. Wormley Jr., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Our students get a front row seat as their professor’s research brings the spotlight to TCU and enriches lives here and around the world. As teachers they genuinely care and share their knowledge and experience, and our students thrive under their commitment. It is my honor to call attention to their work.”
Deans’ Award for Research and Creativity 2025
Michael Faggella-Luby
Professor of Special Education
College of Education
“I am dedicated to advancing access, services and outcomes for students with disabilities, focusing on literacy interventions, postsecondary education and technology applications. My research is grounded in multi-university and interdisciplinary collaborations bridging theory to practice, ensuring that it both contributes to academic discourse and drives meaningful change in classrooms and professional settings.”
Emily Lund
Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Dr. Lund’s research focuses on remediating early language and literacy deficits for children who use hearing aids and cochlear implants. Colleagues say that Dr. Lund is “an exceptional mentor in scientific excellence—guiding students, graduate students and faculty in scholarship and grantsmanship,” and “a pillar of support and inspiration.” “Her influence extends far beyond her research.”
Anton Naumov
Associate Professor of Biophysics
College of Science & Engineering
Dr. Naumov has established a one-of-a-kind near-infrared laboratory, the only one in Texas. “I have discovered and developed a new imaging tool that can detect cancer and neurodegenerative disease biomarkers. This solution grew into a stand-alone scientific area further explored by scientists all over the world, while my lab became a nationally and internationally recognized leader and innovator in this field.”
Learn more about these three faculty members here.
Deans’ Award for Teaching 2025
Kathleen Kyzar
Associate Professor of Early Childhood and Special Education
College of Education
“I dedicate myself to becoming a better educator by continuously practicing my teaching skills, seeking feedback, reflecting on my methods, and striving for improvement.” Students describe her as “extremely passionate and knowledgeable” and “cheerful and approachable.” They appreciate the ways in which she structures the course to have direct application to their future work as classroom teachers.
Michele Meitl
Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Assistant Director of the Graduate Program
AddRan College of Liberal Arts
As founder and advisor for TCU Mock Trial, “I have watched as our students have grown in their substantive legal skills, and also in confidence, teamwork, preparation, resilience, and poise. Student say: “Your efforts never go unnoticed. They make an immeasurable difference, not just in how we perform, but in who we are becoming.”
Tracey Rockett
Professor of Professional Practice in Management and Leadership
Neeley School of Business
“I work with students at every level – undergrads, grads, and returning learners in Executive Education. Three goals I aspire to meet in every class I teach: Forge real connections with students, engage students in the process of learning, and inspire a curiosity to learn more.” Students like that she encouraged them to think creatively and realistically about solving problems.