Sul Ross State University has announced the recipients of its 2026 Faculty Service Award, Outstanding Scholar Award, Outstanding Teaching Award and Online Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing faculty members for their contributions to student success, research, teaching and service.
The recipients are Dr. Jessica Velasco, Faculty Service Award; Dr. Carlos “Lalo” Gonzalez, Outstanding Scholar Award; Dr. Minerva Gonzales, Outstanding Teaching Award; and Dr. Melissa Wesney, Online Teaching Excellence Award.
The faculty members will be recognized during the Faculty Awards Presentation and Reception at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, on the second floor of the Wildenthal Memorial Library on the Alpine campus.
Dr. Jessica Velasco — Faculty Service Award
Velasco, an associate professor of political science and public administration, is recognized for her extensive service to the university, its students and the surrounding community.
Her contributions span faculty governance, academic program development, student mentorship, athletics, civic engagement and professional organizations. She has served as faculty athletics representative, chaired the Research Council and Athletics Council, participated in university policy and student success initiatives, and mentored undergraduate and graduate students through programs including McNair and the PPOHA Graduate Fellows Program.
Her community service includes voter registration and civic engagement, volunteer work and participation in efforts addressing emergency medical services in Brewster County. Velasco’s approach to service emphasizes building partnerships, supporting colleagues and connecting students with opportunities to succeed.
Dr. Carlos “Lalo” Gonzalez — Outstanding Scholar Award
Gonzalez is an associate professor of natural resource management, Nau Endowed Professor and Chair of Habitat Research and Management, and associate director of research at the Borderlands Research Institute. He also serves as chair of the Department of Natural Sciences.
His research focuses on Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems, including wildlife ecology, rangeland restoration, grazing management, invasive grasses, soil and water relationships, and habitat conservation. His work brings together university researchers, students, private landowners and external partners to address natural resource challenges across the Trans-Pecos region.
Gonzalez’s research portfolio encompasses more than $8 million in awarded, submitted, pending and developing projects, including nearly $2 million in funding from Nine Point Mesa Ranch for scaled quail habitat and rangeland restoration and $479,775 from PanTEX for native plant restoration.
His scholarly work includes a 2026 book chapter on quail in the Trans-Pecos and peer-reviewed manuscripts in development and review. He also mentors doctoral, master’s and undergraduate researchers, helping students present their findings, pursue publications and prepare for careers in science and natural resource management.
Dr. Minerva Gonzales — Outstanding Teaching Award
Gonzales, an associate professor of nursing, is recognized for her commitment to teaching excellence, student success and the preparation of future nurses.
Her colleagues describe an educator who balances the demands of program leadership with hands-on teaching, mentorship and support for fellow faculty members. She steps in to teach and cover courses when needed to maintain continuity in students’ learning experiences while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages faculty growth and student achievement.
Students praise Gonzales for her patience, accessibility and dedication to helping every learner succeed. Her teaching emphasizes practical nursing knowledge, individualized support and the development of confidence and competence among students preparing to serve patients and communities.
Gonzales holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and brings extensive experience in nursing education, clinical practice and academic leadership.
Dr. Melissa Wesney — Online Teaching Excellence Award
Wesney, an assistant professor of education and coordinator of undergraduate teacher education, is recognized for excellence in online teaching.
The award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to high-quality online instruction through effective course design and delivery, accessibility, student engagement and inclusive learning environments. These practices help students navigate course expectations, interact meaningfully with instructors and classmates, and engage with course content in ways that support their academic progress.
Wesney’s work in teacher education supports the preparation of future educators and the development of effective instructional practices. Her university service includes participation in the Online Distance Education Committee and other initiatives supporting academic quality and program improvement.
The four awards recognize the important role faculty play in advancing the mission of Sul Ross State University through scholarship, effective teaching, student mentorship and service to the university and broader community.
For more information, contact the Office of the Provost at provost@sulross.edu.