The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation named Collin College Professor of history Kyle Wilkison a Piper Professor for 2014. Dr. Wilkison is one of two community college professors in the state of Texas to receive the prestigious award this year. He is among 10 award-winning professors from institutions such as the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston and Lamar University.
“Dr. Wilkison’s students rave about his passion for history as well as his mentorship and encouragement. The members of our faculty are the heart and soul of Collin College, and this distinguished professor is a perfect example of our core values,” said Mac Hendricks, chair of the Collin College Board of Trustees.
The prestigious award comes with a $5,000 honorarium and a gold pin.
Dr. Wilkison, of Plano, has taught at Collin College for close to 20 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history with high honors and master’s degree in history from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, and his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. The author of award-winning books, Dr. Wilkison received the Fehrenbach Award, the Calvert Book Prize, the Bates Award and the Lock Award. Choice Magazine, the journal of the American Library Association, named one of his books “Outstanding Academic Titles” and Library Journal named one of his books “A Best Reference.” Dedicated to his students and the community, Dr. Wilkison has presented at numerous seminars and chaired 18 Cotton and Rural History Conferences at the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum.
“Dr. Wilkison sets a fine example for his students and colleagues as a consummate scholar. His dedication to the field of history continually extends beyond the classroom walls. His award marks the sixth Piper Professor at Collin College, an indication of the exceptional quality of education at our institution,” said Cary Israel, Collin College district president.
Dr. Wilkison was humbled by the award.
“I am grateful to the Piper Foundation for choosing to honor the profession of college teaching. I am so proud to be associated with talented and committed colleagues at Collin College whose everyday examples mentor, challenge and encourage me. I accept this award on their behalf,” he said.