Dr. Charles Lafon, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, College of Geosciences, has been honored by the University with a 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching. The award recognizes, encourages, and rewards superior classroom teachers –individuals whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, and commitment exemplify the meaning of teacher in its highest sense.

Twenty four faculty and staff university-wide were chosen by a committee of faculty, students, former students, and staff to receive the awards, which are organized by categories including teaching, research, staff, and student relations.

According to University President Elsa Murano, “these awards…are among the most prestigious awards that can be presented to a faculty or staff member at Texas A&M University. The selection is rigorous and the recipients are chosen by a campus-wide committee.”

The Distinguished Achievement Awards are given annually by the University and funded by the Association of Former Students. They were first presented in 1955, and have been awarded to 834 faculty and staff to date.

As a recipient of the award, Dr. Lafon will receive $4,000, an engraved watch, and a commemorative plaque. The annual awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 1:30 in Rudder Theatre.

Dr. Lafon has been at Texas A&M since 2000. He received his undergraduate degree from Emory & Henry College in 1992, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.