KINGSVILLE (April 17, 2023) — Kathy Pawelek, director of administration and operations at the John E. Conner Museum at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, recently received the Emerging Leader Award from the Texas Women in Higher Education (TWHE) organization.
“I am excited, proud and deeply humbled to be nominated and awarded this honor in just my second year of serving with the Texas Women in Higher Education organization,” Pawelek said. “Being nominated was truly unexpected, and the recognition that comes with this award makes me feel truly appreciated by the TWHE and its members.”
“Recognition acknowledges the incredible work we do and fuels the flame of passion in our work efforts. I, like many other women across campus, put our whole selves into everything we do, but we often allow ourselves to go without credit or public acknowledgment of the work we do,” Pawelek said. “I think the recognition in these types of awards validates women and our contribution to high education.”
“It is a wonderful recognition for Kathy. We are very proud of her accomplishment. It is well-earned and deserved,” said Dr. Dolores Guerrero, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “She has demonstrated strong leadership in the administration of the Conner Museum and in building partnerships on campus and in the community.
“These awards highlight the talent we have on this campus and in our college. Kathy’s passion and drive are reflected in all she does. These awards recognize leadership in action and potential for all staff and faculty,” Guerrero added.
Pawelek is a native of the Rio Grande Valley but has been in Kingsville for the past 22 years. She is an alumna, earning her bachelor of arts degree in art with a minor in business administration from Texas A&M-Kingsville. She became interim director of the museum in 2021 and was named director in 2022.
She previously served the university as the inaugural business administrator, fiscal affairs liaison and senior academic advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences and administrative officer for 11 TRIO and federally funded programs in the special programs department.
Pawelek is vice president of the university’s Staff Council and active in the newly formed Javelina Women’s Professional Development Network. She was appointed as Texas A&M-Kingsville’s institutional representative to the TWHE where she serves on the Conference Planning Committee and will chair the 2024 annual conference in Corpus Christi.
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