At graduation, special honors are given to baccalaureate candidates who have consistently achieved meritorious scholastic standing as indicated by quality-point ratios of 3. The Ralph M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence is given each semester to the undergraduate student with the highest G. The award is named in honor of Dr.
Ralph M. Lyon, a longtime professor, and administrator at the University of West Alabama. She taught in the public school system in Choctaw County for several years. Jackson at Hill Hospital in York until she retired at age Her husband was the late Mr. Eulon Clifford Bell. The McIlwain Bell Trustee Professor Award, which includes a plaque and a cash stipend, is given each year to a faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor or above with a minimum of two years of service at UWA who has demonstrated excellence in any or all of the following areas: teaching and advising, scholarship and creative activity, leadership and service.
In , she received a doctoral degree from the University of Alabama. From until her retirement in , Dr. McCrory was a demanding but caring teacher who made a difference in the lives of generations of students, often sharing with them her love of music, art, museums, and travel. The Nellie Rose McCrory Service Excellence Award is presented each year to a member of the UWA faculty who has demonstrated distinguished service in the UWA region and beyond, including institutional, professional, community, and general public service that enhances the quality of life of the citizens whom the University serves and brings honor and distinction to the University.
The William E. Gilbert Award recognizes outstanding teaching and excellence in classroom instruction in the undergraduate programs at the University of West Alabama. The award was established through an endowed fund established by Mr.
William L. Gilbert in memory of his son, Mr. William E. It is supported in part by an endowment by Mr. Cunningham in memory of Mrs. Loraine McIlwain Bell. The selection of the outstanding teacher is made by a student committee whose members are nominated by the Deans and the Chairpersons and chosen by the Student Government Association.
