The Texas A&M College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts recognized 14 faculty and staff members for their contributions in teaching, service, innovation, teamwork and leadership at a recent ceremony.
Faculty and staff were nominated by fellow members of the college, and winners were selected by the deans.
Dean Tim McLaughlin said these awards recognize faculty and staff in specific areas but also serve as recognition for the whole college. He thanked all members of the college for their dedication and hard work.
Distinguished Achievement Award
Courtney Starrett, M.F.A., associate professor in the Visualization program, received the 2025 Association of Former Students College Level Distinguished Achievement Award.
The Association of Former Students honors outstanding faculty members each fall with this award for their dedication to teaching, and their talent, expertise and devotion in conveying knowledge to students.
Scot Walker, vice president of The Association of Former Students, presented Starrett’s award, and said Starrett is a model for both her students and her peers, and represents the university’s core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service.
Research and Creative Works
Three faculty members were honored for excellence in research and creative works, presented by Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Ph.D., associate dean for research and creative works and a professor in the Visualization program.
Xin (Shane) Li, Ph.D.; Lynn Vartan, D.M.A.; and Krista Leigh Steinke, M.F.A, were recognized for elevating the college’s research profile and inspiring colleagues and students.
Xin (Shane) Li, Ph.D., professor in the Visualization program, was recognized for his research in visual computing, computer vision, geometric modeling and 3-D generative artificial intelligence. Seo said his research demonstrates strong momentum and long-term impact. He also received funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Krista Leigh Steinke, M.F.A., assistant professor in the Visualization program, was awarded for her innovative lens-based and experimental media work. Her work has earned national and international recognition, including prestigious awards, major exhibitions and screenings across the United States and abroad, Seo said.
Lynn Vartan, D.M.A., associate professor in the Music program, was recognized for her artistic leadership and work that advances the mission of higher education by bridging culture, expanding knowledge and pushing the boundaries of interdisciplinary performance, Seo said. Her creative work includes a more than 50 residencies across 22 states and a recognized recording portfolio.
College Teaching Awards
Three awards were given to faculty members who provide excellence in student advancement, presented by Francesca Marini, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs and an associate professor in the Performance and Visual Studies program.
Grace Adinku, Ph.D., senior lecturer in the Theatre and Performance and Visual Studies programs, received an excellence in teaching award for her mentorship and scholarship, which exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence, Marini said. Her dedication to student success, mentorship and scholarly integration makes her a model educator, Marini said.
Diane Bedford, M.F.A., clinical associate professor in Dance, received an excellence in teaching award for her commitment to the growth and well-being of her students. Marini said Bedford has mentored students to help them explore and reach their career goals, and incorporates her research strategies for professional development.
Tina Budzise-Weaver, M.L.I.S., associate professor in the Visualization program, received an outstanding mentoring award for consistently providing support to students. Through capstone projects, research design and recommendation letters, Budzise-Weaver leads students to successful graduate placements, Marini said.
Staff Awards
Four awards were given to staff members for leadership, teamwork and service to the college, presented by Sarah McLaughlin, assistant dean of finance and business services.
Rob Clark, director of marketing and communications, was honored for excellence in leadership and innovation for demonstrating the highest standards of integrity, taking initiative to drive positive change and consistently innovating to improve processes. Clark champions each discipline in the college fairly, and led the comprehensive update to the college’s website, McLaughlin said.
Elizabeth Gnant, administrative coordinator II for the college on the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus, received an award for outstanding teamwork for her reliability and positive attitude. Gnant demonstrates that with dedication and her commitment to set an example for others in maintaining connectivity and morale, McLaughlin said.
Leah Ramirez, business coordinator III, was honored for exceptional service by demonstrating enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine commitment to helping others. Ramirez handles complex transactions smoothly, ensuring efficiency and reliability, McLaughlin said, and her calm presence supports faculty and staff by resolving issues and fostering a collaborative environment.
Bailey Brown, communications specialist II, received an award for inspirational service for demonstrating professionalism, positivity and genuine care for the college. Brown embraces new challenges with an uplifting attitude, McLaughlin said, and shows inspiring dedication that contributes to the college’s overall success and spirit.
College Service Awards
Three awards were given to faculty members for their contributions to the college, presented by James R. Ball III, Ph.D., associate dean for industry and community engagement, and associate professor in the Performance and Visual Studies program.
Christine Bergeron, Ph.D., clinical professor and undergraduate program director for the Dance Science program, received an inspirational leadership award for her work as the first associate dean for academic affairs in the college. Marini said she worked to establish key processes for the advancement of the college’s academic programs, especially in the Dance program.
Martin Regan, Ph.D., professor in the Music Performance program, received a transformative service award for his work in bringing the World Shakuhachi Festival to Texas A&M in 2025. The festival brought artists and educators from around the world to showcase the importance of the instrument and of Japanese culture. Ball said this was an enormous undertaking, and led by the transformative spirit of Regan’s work.
Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Ph.D., associate dean for research and creative works and a professor in the Visualization program, received a collegial commitment award for her consistency in providing exceptional support to her colleagues through her service activities. Seo’s dedication, generosity, mentorship and openness to new ideas are among her many markers of collegiality, Ball said.
Promotions
Mayet Andreassen, M.F.A., was promoted from instructional assistant professor to instructional associate professor in the Visualization program. Anatol Bologan, M.F.A., was promoted from instructional assistant professor to instructional associate professor in the Visualization program. Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Ph.D., was promoted from associate professor to professor in the Visualization program.
Matthew Campbell, Ph.D., was promoted from instructional assistant professor to instructional associate professor in the Performance and Visual Studies program. Will Connor, Ph.D., was promoted from lecturer to senior lecturer in the Performance and Visual Studies program. Cory LaFevers, Ph.D., was promoted from lecturer to senior lecturer in the Performance and Visual Studies program. Angenette Spalink, Ph.D., was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure in the Performance and Visual Studies program.
