Sul Ross State University has recognized two faculty members for their exceptional scholarship and service contributions for 2024. The awards, organized by the Office of the Provost, were based on nominations from faculty peers.
Dr. Martin Urbina – Outstanding Scholar Award
Dr. Martin Urbina, Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice, was selected for the Outstanding Scholar Award, honoring his impactful research and dedication to his field. Urbina, a Sul Ross State graduate, earned his bachelor’s degree there before pursuing a master’s degree at New Mexico State University, where he completed a thesis on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. He later received his Ph.D. from Western Michigan University, with a dissertation exploring racial and ethnic disparities in capital punishment outcomes.
Throughout his career, Urbina has held faculty positions at institutions such as New Mexico State University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Texas A&M-Central Texas, before returning to Sul Ross in 2009. Notable among his publications are his books Immigration and the Law: Race, Citizenship, and Social Control and Chronicles of Mexican Immigrants: Their Lives, Struggles, and the Dream of Dignity, which contribute significantly to discussions on social justice and immigration.
In addition to his academic achievements, Urbina serves as a faculty co-advisor for Alpha Tau Omega, the Criminal Justice honor society, and has been an active member on several university committees.
Dr. Kathy Stein – Faculty Service Award
Dr. Kathy Stein, Assistant Dean for Student Success, Director of the Academic Center for Excellence, and Professor of English, was honored with the Faculty Service Award in recognition of her extensive contributions to student success and campus life. Dr. Stein, a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) with degrees in Elementary Education, Professional Writing and Rhetoric, and Educational Leadership and Administration, has brought her expertise to several institutions, including UTEP, El Paso Community College, Odessa College, and the University of Texas Permian Basin.
At Sul Ross, she served as Faculty in Residence, offering workshops, tutoring, and student activities from 2008-2013 and again during the 2022-2023 academic year. She played a pivotal role in creating the Lobo Den, a university-wide tutoring center, and developed the Faculty Mentoring Program, now a part of Lobos LEAD, which supports undergraduates in building leadership and service skills.
Stein’s commitment extends beyond the classroom; she has served as President and Vice President of the Faculty Assembly, represented Sul Ross as Faculty Athletic Representative, and served as Secretary, President, and Conference Chair for the College Reading and Learning Association. Her dedication has earned her multiple honors, including the CRLA’s Karen G. Smith Special Recognition Award and the Robert Griffin Award for Outstanding Service.
Both Dr. Urbina and Dr. Stein embody Sul Ross State University’s commitment to excellence in education and community engagement, making a lasting impact on their students and colleagues alike.
