Magister Optimus Award
The Magister Optimus Award at West Texas A&M University was created to recognize and acknowledge the work of outstanding teachers at WTAMU. Nominations are reviewed by faculty senators based on the following criteria:
- Must not be a sitting Senator
- Must be teaching at the time of nomination.
- Self-nominations are not permitted.
- Nominations are open to full-time instructors, tenured, and tenure-track faculty.
- Candidates should have been teaching at WT for a minimum of 4 years
One-page nominations can be submitted to the department/college Faculty Senator beginning January 15th of each year. Faculty Senate considers the following attributes to be indicative of outstanding teaching. This list should not be considered required nor all inclusive.
- Masters of their subject area
- Exhibit expertise in their subject
- Continue to gain new knowledge in their field
- Present material in an enthusiastic manner
- Instill a hunger to learn in their students
- Committed to life-long learning
- Innovative and flexible
- Clear and organized
- Uses evidence-based teaching methods
By March 30th of each year, Faculty Senate vote to determine the winner of the Magister Optimus Award. The winner is presented the award each year at the Fall Faculty/Staff Convocation.
| Magister Optimus Award Winners | Year |
| Not awarded | 2023-2024 |
| Dr. David Craig | 2022-2023 |
| Dr. Enyonam Osei-Hwere | 2021-2022 |
| Dr. Lance Kieth | 2020-2021 |
| Dr. Yvette Castillo | 2019-2020 |
| Dr. Marty Kuhlman | 2018-2019 |
| Dr. Amy von Lintel | 2017-2018 |
| Dr. Syed Tariq Anwar | 2016-2017 |
| Dr. Bruce Brasington | 2015-2016 |
| Dr. Bryan Vizzini | 2014-2015 |
| Dr. Royal Brantley | 2013-2014 |
| Dr. John Pipkin | 2012-2013 |
| Dr. Gary Byrd | 2011-2012 |
| Dr. Harry Hueston | 2010-2011 |
| Dr. Leigh Browning | 2009-2010 |
| Dr. Byron Pearson | 2008-2009 |
| Dr. Jessica Mallard | 2007-2008 |