Three members of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have been selected to receive 2026 University-Level Distinguished Achievement Awards, presented by The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University.
Since 1955, The Association of Former Students has recognized outstanding members of Texas A&M’s faculty and staff for their commitment, performance and positive impact on Aggie students, Texas citizens and the world around them with these awards. They are among the most prestigious awards presented to faculty and staff members at Texas A&M.
The review process is rigorous, and recipients are selected by a campus-wide committee of faculty, staff and former students.
Recipients will be honored during the Faculty Affairs Spring Awards Celebration in April.
2026 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recipients
Research: Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D.
Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research Faculty Fellow and associate department head for graduate programs, Department of Nutrition, is one of six recipients for this year’s University-Level Distinguished Achievement Award in the category of research.
The award recognizes individuals whose research efforts are significant and outstanding, with impact at the local, national and international levels. The recipients’ work adds substantially to the body of knowledge, advances their disciplines and contributes meaningful societal impact.
Sun is known for groundbreaking discoveries related to the “hunger hormone,” ghrelin. Her research has propelled her to international recognition as a leader in the field and expanded understanding of metabolic regulation and energy balance.
Teaching: Rebecca Buckley, Ph.D.
Rebecca Buckley, Ph.D., instructional associate professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, received one of the 10 University-Level Distinguished Achievement Awards in the category of teaching. This category honors superior classroom teachers whose command of their disciplines, teaching methodologies, communication skills and commitment to the learning process exemplify the highest standards of mentorship. Recipients of this award maintain high expectations, ensure academic rigor and contribute to the development of students as learners and future professionals.
Buckley has developed engaging learning environments using peer-based, project-based instruction and experiential methods to promote critical thinking and support students’ academic and professional growth in food science.
Staff: Jamie Norgaard
Jamie Norgaard, administrator II in the Dean’s Office, received one of two University-Level Distinguished Achievement Awards in the staff category. The award recognizes staff members who contribute to the welfare of Texas A&M University through outstanding support beyond the expectations of their positions.
Norgaard was recognized for her exceptional time-management skills and attention to detail that help keep the Dean’s Office operating efficiently and moving forward.
For the full list of winners throughout Texas A&M, visit The Association of Former Students’ University Level Distinguished Achievement awards list.
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