New Mexico State University bestowed its top teaching awards Aug. 19 during its biannual convocation, kicking the 2025-2026 academic year into full swing.
The fall 2025 convocation drew 244 people to Atkinson Recital Hall. NMSU President Valerio Ferme and interim Provost Lakshmi Reddi delivered remarks before the awards presentation honoring six faculty members for excellence in teaching.
Ferme, now eight months into his tenure as president, encouraged staff and faculty to begin thinking strategically about NMSU's future as the university embarks on a new phase under his leadership.
"I hope that we all commit to envisioning together how we work, and how we adapt to the changes that external and internal adjustments are forcing us to consider," he said. "As acceleration and disruption press upon us, different ways of collecting, researching and passing on knowledge, often with biases and challenges through traditional ways of understanding, let us find the balance between courage, humility and expertise that allows us to explore new pathways to fulfill our mission."
Ferme later urged faculty to continue cultivating character, morals, critical thinking and citizenship in their students and themselves.
"Let's chart this path together for how to make these lessons relevant to ourselves and to the next generations of students we encounter," he said.
Separately, Reddi welcomed new faculty members and congratulated those recently promoted.
"Of course, I am biased, but I think we have world-class faculty and staff here," he said. "I want to make a quick, small appeal to the new faculty. We are blessed with a community of such outstanding teachers and researchers all around. I hope you will seek some mentoring from people from a different discipline. I believe crosscutting is important."
The award recipients included:
Frank Ramos of the Department of Geological Sciences received the Dennis W. Darnall Faculty Achievement Award. The award recognizes recipients for remarkable, broad-based accomplishments in teaching, research and service to their profession, university and community. It is the highest honor bestowed by NMSU's provost.
Ramos, a professor of geochemistry and volcanology, holds the Michael Johnson Chair of Geochemistry. He teaches classes focused on critical thinking, information integration and writing skills. His graduate students conduct research to address high-impact science that builds foundations for careers at private, state and national laboratories.
Ramos often encourages dating and dancing in his classes: He's known for his plate tectonics dance and has students date minerals. One student described his energy in the classroom as "irreplaceable." Another said "he holds the class in the palm of his hand much like a professional MC."
Three faculty members – Laura Boucheron of the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ramesh Chinnasamy of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Janet Prewett of NMSU Grants – received the Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence. College deans and community college directors choose award recipients based on input from department heads and students.
Boucheron, a professor, teaches courses in signals, systems and image processing. A student praised one of Boucheron's courses as the "most professional and well-organized class I have ever taken." Another student said, "Watching Dr. Boucheron lecture really helped me to learn. She is fluent in student."
Chinnasamy, an associate professor, teaches courses in general, organic and inorganic chemistry, focusing on cultural relevance and real-world applications. One student said Chinnasamy dedicates most of his free time to helping struggling students. Another said Chinnasamy "wholeheartedly" cared for students in his classes.
Prewett, an assistant professor, has taught in the Mathematics Program at NMSU Grants for more than 20 years. Students have praised Prewett for her approachable teaching style and sense of humor.
Two faculty members – Teri Orr of the Department of Biology and Veeshan Rayamajhee of the Department of Economics, Applied Statistics and International Business – received the Patricia Christmore Award for Teaching Excellence. The award honors junior tenure-track faculty members for their engaging, inclusive and research-led teaching.
Orr, an assistant professor, believes teaching is a chance to foster and engage natural curiosity, cultivate a sense of belonging in the sciences, and support the social mobility of students. One student said Orr's "infectious attitude" makes it easy to learn. Another said, "Whatever I do professionally in the future will be credited to you and the chance you took on me."
Rayamajhee, a college assistant professor, brings a blend of rigorous scholarship and engaging pedagogy to the classroom. Rayamajhee is known for turning dry theory into interactive applications and infusing humor into his lectures.
One student described his teaching as "an eye opener. After learning about opportunity costs in Dr. Rayamajhee's class, I realized that my student loans were way bigger than what my loan statements say."
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-bestows-top-teaching-awards-at-fall-2025-convocation/s/4032763b-5a20-4ec6-9450-3f27f9fc6e9a
