Alumni Awards

Each year, the McMurry University Alumni Association celebrates alumni achievement at the Night of Distinction event, where we recognize alumni who are leading lives of distinction and who embody McMurry’s core values of Learning, Excellence, and Service.

Nominations for the 2024 Alumni Achievement Awards have closed. 

The deadline for the 2025 Alumni Achievement Awards nomination submissions is December 31, 2024.

Shannon Sedgwick Davis

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 1971, is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni by the Alumni Association on behalf of McMurry University. This award honors alumni who have made a significant contribution to their profession, society, and McMurry University. The nominee must be an alumna/alumnus of McMurry but not necessarily a graduate. Current members of the faculty or staff and active Board of Trustees and Alumni Association Board of Directors are not eligible for this award.

Nominate

Shannon Sedgwick Davis ’96

Shannon Sedgwick Davis is the CEO of Bridgeway Foundation and the author of “To Stop a Warlord.” The Bridgeway Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending and preventing mass atrocities around the world. Established in 2000 as the charitable giving arm of Bridgeway Capital Management, the organization serves as a catalyst for peace and reconciliation in international communities suffering from oppression, genocide, and other human rights violations. An attorney, activist,
and passionate advocate for social justice, Ms. Sedgwick Davis has guided the Bridgeway Foundation in pioneering solutions to seemingly intractable issues around the world. The organization has supported the work of groups like Aegis Trust, Resolve Uganda, Human Rights Watch, Invisible Children, and dozens of community-based
organizations. Ms. Sedgwick Davis and the Bridgeway Foundation have been credited for their pivotal role in mobilizing awareness, civilian protection, and recovery efforts to counter the violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader, Joseph Kony, the first-ever indictee of the International Criminal Court. The work of
Ms. Sedgwick Davis and the Foundation’s work has been featured on NBC’s “TODAY,” “TEDxSanAntonio,” “PBS NewsHour,” and in Forbes.

Before joining Bridgeway Foundation in 2007, Ms. Sedgwick Davis served as Vice President of Geneva Global. This leading philanthropic consulting firm advises individuals, foundations, non-profit organizations, and corporations on international development, global health, and poverty solutions. Previously, Ms. Sedgwick Davis was the Director of Public Affairs at the International Justice Mission (IJM), a human rights agency that focuses on ending slavery, forced prostitution, and illegal land seizures in the developing world. Her work in helping rescue children from sex trafficking in the Svay Pak village of Cambodia was featured in the 2005 Emmy award-winning
piece, “Children for Sale,” on Dateline.

Ms. Sedgwick Davis is an honors graduate of McMurry University and Baylor Law School, from which she received the institution’s Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2011. Her other recognitions include the Nomi Network’s 2014 Abolitionist Award; a Global Human Rights Hero award from Saving Innocence; the Navy SEAL “Fire in the Gut”
Award; and the 2022 International Citizen of the Year Award from the World Affairs Council of San Antonio. Ms. Sedgwick Davis serves on the advisory council of The Elders and is a board member of several organizations including Humanity United, charity: water, Verdant Frontiers, and, formerly, TOMS.

Doug Wofford ’772023
Terry Wheeler ’852022
Judge Jorge A. Solis ’73*2021
Paul E. Stubbs ’612020
Ralph McCleskey ’652019
Arthur Pertile, III ’832018
Weldon S. Crowley ’572016
Roger W. Ward ’672015
Richard Max Wynn ’802014
Don E. Cain ’762013
K.O. Long ’702012
Jerry D. Campbell ’682011
Chuck M. Fallon ’852010
Stephen K. Mittelstet ’672009
Pug Parris ’732009
Joe Bill Fox ’562008
Mable F. Phillips ’34*2008
Gene M. Tucker ’572008
Holland B. Evans ’662007
Jack Darnell ’552006
Ralph J. Turner ’742006
Bynum W. Miers ’592005
Wendell M. Tooley ’49*2005
Bervin O. Caswell ’38*2004
Dan E. Solomon ’582004
Mary Esther Bynum ’522003
Richard Cyril Stone ’46*2003
Phil T. Brewer ’76*2002
C. Girvin Harkins ’602001
Richard N. Countiss ’582000
Sam B. Smith ’662000

*Indicates recipient is deceased.

Shirley Ann Wagley ’57*1999
Grant G. Teaff ’561998
Kenneth Day ’43*1997
Howard L. Green ’43*1996
Hershel E. Kimbrell ’501995
Alex Bickley ex ’38*1994
Ed N. Wishcamper ’38*1994
Holland Hope ’40*1993
Jere M. Lawrence ’54*1993
William A. Hunt    ’29*1992
Sarah Ragle Weddington ’641992
Don Campbell ’59*1991
Paul D. Lack ’661991
William A. Ward ’48*1990
Faye Bryant White ’48*1990

*Indicates recipient is deceased.

Jerald D. Lee ’61*1989
Marshall D. Turnbull ’46*1989
Verdain Barnes ’581988
Walter Morris Baker ’631987
Eldon B. Mahon ’42*1987
Canon Bradley ’621986
Noel Bryant ’36*1986
Kenneth J. Wyatt ’541986
Alsie H. Carleton ’33*1985
Rigdon Edwards ’31*1985
William S. Hotchkiss ’35*1985
Raymon L. Bynum ’50*1984
Willmon L. White ’531984
James E. Kirby ’541983
Neil Daniel ’39*1982
Dan W. Dodson ’31*1982
Bill M. Ellington ’43*1980
Roy B. Shilling ’511980

*Indicates recipient is deceased.

Jewell Posey1977
Wilma Jane Huddleston ’581977
William A. Cantrell ’40*1976
Ralph L. Mills ’491976
Thomas H. Greer ’38*1975
Ashley D. Jameson ’39*1975
Joe E. Boyd ex ’321974
Josephine Crutchfield ’37*1974
Vernon G. Spence ’46*1974
C.E. Sonny Bentley ex ’421971
Karl Scott

Young Alumni Achievement Award

The Young Alumni Achievement Award (formerly the Spirit of McMurry) was established in 2011 by the Alumni Association. This award honors alumni who have graduated in the last 20 years and have excelled in their profession, served their community, and served McMurry University. The nominee must be an alumna/alumnus of McMurry but not necessarily a graduate. Current members of the faculty or staff and active Board of Trustees and Alumni Association Board of Directors are not eligible for this award.

Nominate

Karl Scott ’07

Karl Scott is an accomplished football coach known for his expertise in developing defensive backs and coordinating defensive passing games. A native of Houston, Texas, Scott honed his skills on the football field at McMurry, where he earned a degree in exercise and sports studies in 2007. From McMurry’s fields and classrooms to the highest echelons of the NFL, Scott has made a positive impact on every team he’s been associated with.

Following his collegiate career, Scott began coaching at Delta State in 2007, where he served as a graduate assistant. In his inaugural season, he led the Statesman to a remarkable 10-2 record, clinching the Gulf South Conference championship and securing a coveted spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Scott transitioned to Tusculum College in 2008, where he took on the roles of recruiting coordinator, defensive backs coach, and linebackers’ coach and mentored standout players who garnered all-conference honors.

In 2012, Scott joined Southeastern Louisiana University, where he spent three transformative years as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, steering the Lions to consecutive Southland Conference Championships and two NCAA Football Championship Division playoff appearances. Under his leadership, Southeastern’s defense earned All-America honors and solidified Southeastern Louisiana’s status as a defensive powerhouse.

Scott continued to climb the coaching ranks into Division I football, joining Skip Holtz’s coaching staff as the safeties coach at Louisiana Tech University in 2015. Louisiana Tech’s defense thrived under Scott’s guidance, culminating in a 9-4 record and a victory in the New Orleans Bowl.

In 2018, Scott served as the cornerbacks coach for the University of Alabama.. His tenure coincided with the Crimson Tide’s dominance, resulting in a National Championship victory in 2020 and establishing several defensive players as top NFL prospects.

In 2021, Scott made his mark in the NFL, joining the Minnesota Vikings as the defensive backs coach. In his inaugural season in the league, Scott revitalized the Vikings’ defense, with veteran players like Harrison Smith, while nurturing young talents like Devon Witherspoon.

Scott’s journey reached new heights when he assumed a key role in the Seattle Seahawks as the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach after starting as the team’s defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach in 2022. His impact was immediate, with rookie cornerbacks like Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen making significant strides under his mentorship. Woolen’s exceptional performance, including tying for first in the NFL with six interceptions, underscored Scott’s ability to develop top-tier talent at the professional level.

Scott has been a visionary leader, dedicated mentor, and relentless competitor throughout his career. His commitment to excellence impacts every team and player he works with, earning him respect and recognition. As he continues to inspire and shape the future of football, Scott’s coaching legacy will endure for generations.

Scott and his wife, Taron, have two daughters, Kina Bailey and Kari Mae.

Chad Harris, DVM ’032023
Matthew Armbruster ’072022
Hunter Sims ’072021
Shawn Martin ’992020
GaBrielle Mallet ’052019
Dr. Ryan Higley ’032018
Chris N. Montoya ’002016
Clayton P. Bulls ’952015
Steven C. Bristow ’962014
Colby Stone ’972013
Lon Outland ’932012
JoLisa K. Hoover ’922012
Kay L. Younggren ’022011
Shannon Sedgwick Davis ’962011

Please note that before 2018 this award was known as the Spirit of McMurry Award.

Dr. Sandra S. Harper, 2023 Honorary Alumna

Honorary Alumni Award

Established in 2023, the Honorary Alumni Award is presented by the McMurry University Alumni Association to individuals (non alumnus) who have displayed exceptional interest, dedication, and/or service to the University, and have made a positive impact on the McMurry community. It is presented to a person who is not an alumna or alumnus of McMurry University, but who has earned this recognition and honor through loyalty, service, and support of the University.

Dr. Sandra S. Harper, 2023 Honorary Alumna

Dr. Sandra S. Harper

The Alumni Board of Directors recognized Dr. Sandra S. Harper as the first and 2023 Honorary Alumna. Dr. Harper  has been a tireless champion for McMurry during her many years dating back to 1985 as a professor, dean, and as McMurry’s first female President. She famously said that although she is not a graduate of McMurry, she got back here as fast as possible. She has doubtless, done more for the University than many if not most graduates.

As an educator, she has impacted students in the classroom, so much so that she still maintains relationships with many of them. As the Dean of Arts and Sciences, she expanded her influence to even more students and faculty. And, now as McMurry’s 12th and first female President, she has lead the University to its largest enrollment in 12 years, the largest fundraising year in school history, and the largest single project in school history and the list goes on and on. She is the University’s greatest ambassador and vision caster to Abilene and the regional community. Her deep involvement in community and statewide academic affairs puts McMurry in the spotlight. And through her personal style and talent, she demonstrates McMurry’s commitment to excellence. Dr. Harper embodies the best of McMurry.

Outstanding Alumni Awards

These awards, established by McMurry in 2017, recognize alumni who have had a significant impact in their professional field and their community, through achievement and/or service. The fields represented currently are Business, Education, Fine Arts, Math & the Sciences, Religious & Spiritual Life. The nominee must be an alumna/alumnus of McMurry but not necessarily a graduate. Current members of the faculty or staff and active Board of Trustees, Alumni Association Board of Directors, and advisory board members are not eligible for this award.

Nominate
Bramer Owens
Bramer Owens ’03
Business
Hope Pamplin
Dr. Hope Pamplin ’01
Education
George Levesque
George Levesque ’96
Fine Arts
Marcus Ramage
Marcus Ramage ’65
Math and Sciences
Heather Gates
Heather Gates ’04
Religious & Spiritual Life

Gaylene Taylor
Gaylene Taylor ’60 
Business

Dr. John E. Chapman, III '96
Dr. John E. Chapman, III ’96 
Education

Lenworth McIntosh ’09
Lenworth McIntosh ’09
Fine Arts

Alan C. Howell, MD ’95
Alan C. Howell, MD ’95
Math & Sciences

The Rev. Dr. Helen Neinast ’75
The Rev. Dr. Helen Neinast ’75
Religious & Spiritual Life
Paul Williams ’85 Business
Carly Kahl ’98 Education
John Landin ’09 Fine Arts
David Carver ’74 Math & the Sciences
Tim Kennedy ’99 Religious & Spiritual Life
Leslie Chalmers ’99 Business
Rory Peacock ’01 Education
Tom Turner ’01 Fine Arts
Aletha Lizette Williams ’04 Math & the Sciences
Rev. Zachary Harrison Kerzee ’11 Religious & Spiritual Life
Rochelle McSherry Johnson ’86 Business
Don Taylor ’56 Education
Sarah Sheppard Shaver ’02 Fine Arts
Tyler McCracken ’08 Math & the Sciences
Sara von Ende Orr ’93 Religious & Spiritual Life
Jason Rodriguez ’00 Business
Vernon D. Asbill ’69 Education
Cheyenne Cruz ’09 Fine Arts
A. Ray Hamilton ’66 Math & the Sciences
Bishop James G. Nunn ’79 Religious & Spiritual Life
Jimmy Stallings ’50 Business
Joey Light ’82 Education
Brady Nichols Sloane ’04 Fine Arts
Jennifer Codding-Bui ’06 Math & the Sciences
Rev. Karen Greenwaldt ’73 Religious & Spiritual Life