On Oct. 31, the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) named 13 faculty members as the recipients of the A&M system’s Regents Professors awards. Among them is Dr. Nirmal Goswami, professor of political science at TAMUK and director of the international studies minor.
Established in 1996 by the TAMUS Board of Regents, the Regents Professor Awards program recognizes a number of faculty each year who have made significant or exemplary contributions to their universities.
“These awards recognize and honor the exemplary accomplishments and contributions of our faculty, extension or research professionals,” Elaine Mendoza, chairman of the TAMUS Board of Regents said. “Though they vary in focus and location, these individuals exemplify the commitment to excellence in research and service that sets A&M System employees apart.”
Goswami appreciates the recognition but acknowledges that he would not have had this opportunity without the students who engaged in his programs.
“It feels good to be acknowledged, but I also have many, many people to thank that help me do the things I do,” Goswami said. “I want to thank all of my students who have made me a better teacher, especially those who have participated in the global programs, without them the global programs wouldn’t be there. I appreciate the series of films, the many documentaries that my students have made. I’m listed as the executive producer for all of those, but they are really the ones who made them.”
Students are not the only people Goswami thanks for their support. He also thanks the colleagues and departments he has collaborated with over the course of his career.
“It’s a combination of many things; my colleagues who have supported me, the International Programs Office helps me out every year to do many of the international programs that I’ve established. Special thanks to my colleagues in my department; the College of Arts & Sciences. It’s a combination of colleagues, students and people overseas who I’ve worked with in New Zealand, Botswana, South Africa, Bhutan and in India,” Goswami said. “I would also like to thank colleagues at Texas A&M in College Station, the Bush School particularly because they have helped our students a lot and helped us do many of the things we wish to do. I feel very grateful for the cumulative help that I’ve gotten from my students, colleagues, and administrators.”
“I’m privileged to have been recognized by the system. It’s also an acknowledgement of our university, of A&M Kingsville, that it’s recognition of not only all of the things I’ve been able to do for the university, but for all the things that the university has done with me,” Goswami continued.
The 2019-2020 school year marks the 30th year of Dr. Goswami’s career at TAMUK. He has been developing and managing political science global programs for almost 15 years.