TSUS Regents Approve Resolution Honoring TXST Comm Studies Professor

SAN MARCOS – The Texas State University System Board of Regents has approved a resolution honoring Ann Burnette, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State University, who was named Piper Professor for 2020 by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation.

The board approved the resolution during its quarterly meeting on August 14, recognizing Burnette for the honor she brings to both TSUS and Texas State as a Piper Professor.  

Burnette was named Piper Professor on May 1 in honor of her dedication and service to teaching at the collegiate level.

Piper Foundation honorees are chosen by committee members who look for well-rounded, outgoing teachers, devoted to their profession who have made a special impact on their students and the community.

Burnette serves as a graduate thesis supervisor, graduate thesis committee member, graduate exit (non-thesis) project supervisor and graduate exit (non-thesis) committee member, where she has directed seven M.A. theses, been a committee member for 17 M.A. theses and served on a total of 74 exit committees.

She led the creation of the teaching effectiveness committee in the Department of Communication Studies, where she serves as chair.

Burnette co-founded the Texas State chapter of Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society, which promotes the intellectual development and service contributions of communication students.

She has been an active member in the National Communication Association since 1987, and an active member in the Southern States Communication Association since 1991. 

Burnette is a past chair of the Rhetoric and Public Address Division of the Southern States Communication Association and is also active in the National Communication Association.

Outside of class, Burnette helps students with their communication skills by helping them present and publish their research and by judging public speaking events.

Burnette adds her Piper Professor designation to a list of prestigious accolades including the Everette Swinney Faculty Senate Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019 and 2020, Southern States Communication Association John I. Sisco Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016, Texas State Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2015, Southern States Communication Association James Madison Prize for Outstanding Research in First Amendment Studies in 2014, Texas State Alumni Association Teaching Award of Honor in 2013, Texas State College of Fine Arts and Communication Presidential Distinction Award eight times, Texas State College Achievement Award for Teaching 11 times and Communication Studies Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching four times.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents is the governing body for Texas’ oldest university system, which comprises seven flagship institutions: Lamar University; Sam Houston State University; Texas State University; Sul Ross State University; Lamar Institute of Technology; Lamar State College-Orange; and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.