Sul Ross State University announced that Dr. Minerva Gonzales, associate professor and the director of the nursing program, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025–2026 Outstanding Teacher Award.

Chosen by her faculty peers, Dr. Gonzales is recognized for her exceptional commitment to teaching excellence, student success and leadership.

“Congratulations to Dr. Minerva Gonzales on being selected by her peers,” said Provost Bernie Cantens. “This honor reflects her exceptional commitment to student success and academic excellence and celebrates the lasting impact of her teaching, mentorship and dedication to inspiring the next generation of nurses.”

Dr. Gonzales’s colleagues highlighted her ability to balance leadership with hands-on teaching and mentorship. One nominator noted, “I would like to nominate Dr. Minerva Gonzales for this recognition because she truly embodies excellence in teaching and dedication to student learning. As the Nursing Program Director, she carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, yet she still makes time to teach, mentor students and support both faculty and staff. Despite the many hats she wears, her commitment to the success of the entire program is always clear. What truly sets Dr. Gonzales apart is her ability to lead with both strength and kindness.”

Her impact is equally evident among students, who praise her supportive and engaging approach. “Dr. Gonzales is a terrific candidate for teacher of the year,” one student shared in a survey. “She really cares about her students and wants everyone to succeed. She listens, she is patient, and she always makes sure we understand what we are learning. She creates a positive learning environment where we feel comfortable, supported and motivated to do our best. Because of her, we have become more confident in ourselves and in our ability to learn. We are very grateful to have her as our teacher, and we believe she has a positive impact on all of her students.”

Dr. Gonzales will receive a $2,000 award and a plaque at the faculty awards ceremony next fall. As the university’s Outstanding Teacher Award recipient, she will also be nominated for the 2027 Texas State University System Board of Regents’ Teaching Award and the Minnie Piper Stevens Teaching Award.

For more information, email provost@sulross.edu.

Photo: Dr. Minerva Gonzales