Texas A&M Galveston professor honored as a Presidential Impact Fellow    

Dr. Sam Brody, professor of Marine Sciences, director of the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores at Texas A&M University at Galveston, professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at the Texas A&M University College of Architecture and a nationally known authority on environmental planning, was selected to be part of the inaugural class of Presidential Impact Fellows.  This new award is among the most prestigious ever presented to Texas A&M faculty.  The honorees were recently announced by Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young and Provost and Executive Vice President Karan L. Watson.

"Today, we acknowledge a new investment in the excellence of select faculty who through their scholarship, personal commitment and results demonstrate they are rising to meet the challenges of their field and demonstrating impact towards creating a better world," said Young. "I am proud to name these faculty as the inaugural Presidential Impact Fellows."

The program was established to recognize rising stars in their respective fields, and those who embody the university's commitment to advancing knowledge through transformational learning, discovery, innovation and impact for Texas and the world.  Twenty-four faculty members were honored with this award.

"This honor furthers our belief that these faculty are and should be considered among the nation's very best and will enable greater recognition for their excellence," said Watson.

The Presidential Impact Fellows program includes the use of the honorific title for life and an annual stipend of $25,000 each for the next three fiscal years to accelerate each recipient's pedagogy, research and service impacts.  Identified by his or her dean and confirmed by academic leadership, these faculty members are considered candidates for continued or new national and international acclaim and will utilize this honor to participate in national dialogue, advance their scholarship and create new partnerships.

"I am so honored to be a part of the inaugural class of Presidential Impact Fellows along with so many talented and dedicated professors," said Brody.  "My hope is that I can use the award to not only elevate my professional standing, but also those who work with me in the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores."

President Young initiated the concept of the new titles and their strategic imperative at his "State of the University" address last October, calling on the students, faculty, staff, former students and partners of Texas A&M to embrace grand challenges, commit to core values and embody the unique "can-do" spirit that distinguishes Texas Aggies in service through education.