David Marion, Jeff Savell, and Whitney Green, Vice President of Programs, COALS Student Council (photo by Dan Lineberger)
Jeffrey W. Savell ’75, University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, and E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chairholder in the Department of Animal Science received the Gail W. and David P. Marion ’65 Teaching Award in Memory of Dr. Richard C. Potts ’45 at the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ 60th Annual Convocation on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex. The award was established by the Marion family through the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University in memory of Dr. Potts to recognize a faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who teaches and mentors freshmen and sophomore students and is an effective communicator. Recipients of the award are selected by the members of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council.
Savell has taught thousands of students in ANSC 307, “Meats” and ANSC 437, “Marketing and Grading of Livestock and Meats” over many years, but it was his work with freshmen in ANSC 117, “Texas Barbecue” that was mentioned most prominently at the award ceremony. “Texas Barbecue” has been taught with Ray Riley for seven years now and was designed as way for freshmen to make the transition from high school to college more easily through the small-class environment. Last year, Savell served as a Namesake for Fish Camp where he had a chance to work with over 150 new Aggies.
Dr. Richard Potts ’45 was a respected administrator and faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who contributed to the success of Texas A&M University. He loved and respected his students like his own children, knowing that sometimes they just needed someone to talk to. Dr. Potts was a great mentor to David Marion, who benefited greatly from Dr. Potts mentorship during his time as a student at Texas A&M University, and the award was begun in 2012 by his family as a tribute to Dr. Potts.