9/2/26

HAYS, Kan. - Each semester, Fort Hays State University’s W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship (RCOBE) recognizes outstanding faculty and staff members by nominating individuals who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and service.

These nominations reflect the college's commitment to recognizing the many ways faculty and staff contribute to student success, academic excellence, and the university's broader mission.

Fall 2025 nominees were:

• Dr. David Schmidt, Teaching
• Henry Schwaller, Service
• Dr. Jian Xu, Research

Spring 2026 nominees were:

• Dr. Ron Christian, Teaching
• Dr. Jesse Jacobs, Research
• Bruce Miller, Service
• Jane Miller, Service

Following the nomination process, representatives from each of Fort Hays State University's five colleges are considered for university-level recognition. Dr. David Schmidt was ultimately selected as the university's teaching award winner in spring 2026, a distinction that reflects the exceptional quality of his teaching and the impact he has made on students.

“Recognition of our faculty and staff is important because excellence takes many forms,” said Melissa Hunsicker Walburn, dean of RCOBE. “Our nominees represent individuals who consistently go above and beyond for our students, their disciplines, their colleagues, and our university.

“Dr. Schmidt's selection as the university's teaching award winner is especially meaningful because it demonstrates that the excellence we see in our college is also being recognized across Fort Hays State. We are incredibly proud of all of our 2025–2026 nominees and the contributions they make every day.”

The annual awards process provides an opportunity for RCOBE to celebrate the accomplishments of its faculty and staff while highlighting the breadth of talent and commitment within the college. Each nominee represents RCOBE’s commitment to creating meaningful educational experiences, advancing knowledge through research, and serving students, the university, and the communities Fort Hays State serves.