PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Dec. 5, 2023) – The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents named two Prairie View A&M University employees as recipients of this year’s Regents Professor and Regents Fellow awards for outstanding performance during 2022-2023.
Ananda Amarasekara, Ph.D.
Ananda Amarasekara, Ph.D., of PVAMU’s Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, received a Regents Professor Award. Rukeia Draw-Hood, Ph.D. of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, received a Regents Fellow Award.
“I am humbled to be recognized as one of the recipients of this prestigious award in The Texas A&M University System,” said Dr. Amarasekara, professor and head of the Department of Chemistry and Physics. “I am looking forward to continuing our efforts to improve teaching, research and service further at this great institution.”
Serving on the faculty for 20 years, Dr. Amarasekara’s research interests focus on renewable energy and sustainable transportation fuels and storage using Li-ion batteries. His work appears in more than 150 peer-reviewed journals. He also authored Handbook of Cellulosic Ethanol, which offers “comprehensive coverage on the growing science and technology of producing ethanol from the world’s abundant cellulosic biomass,” according to the book’s cover.
According to The Texas A&M University System website, the Regents Professor Award is the “highest honor bestowed by system on faculty members.” The Fellow Award recognizes “exemplary professional service to society that has created large and lasting benefits to Texas and beyond.” Both awards recognize excellent contributions to the University, as well as to the people of Texas and beyond.
Rukeia Draw-Hood, Ph.D.
“I consider it a privilege to be able to serve volunteers, youth and their families through extension education,” said Dr. Draw-Hood, program leader of PVAMU 4-H and Youth Development. “I am most grateful to our dedicated team of youth development professionals and supportive administrators.”
In total, the board recognized 14 faculty members and 13 agency service, extension and research professionals this year for their exceptional work and dedication.
The Regents Professor Awards began in 1996, and the Regents Fellow Awards began in 1998. More than 300 Texas A&M system faculty members and 188 agency professionals have received the awards over the years.
“From research to service, these individuals’ accomplishments over the last year exemplify The A&M System’s commitment to finding solutions and serving Texas,” said Bill Mahomes, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “I hope their example will inspire others.”
The awards selection process commences with the chancellor issuing a call for nominations. Subsequently, the chief executive officer of each relevant entity considers the final nominations. These nominations undergo a comprehensive system-level review involving academic vice chancellors and previous award recipients. Ultimately, the nominations are submitted to the chancellor and the board for their final approval.
“It is a great honor to have that service recognized by the Texas A&M University System,” said Dr. Draw-Hood, whose PVAMU work spans 12 years. “I am humbled by the nomination and selection for this prestigious award.”
By Kerry Laird
-PVAMU-