Congratulations to Dr. Brian Lain, recipient of the 2017 President’s Council Service Award! | Communication Studies
April 12, 2017

Congratulations to Dr. Brian Lain, recipient of the 2017 President’s Council Service Award!

Dr. Brian Lain is the recipient of the 2017 UNT President's Council Service Award! This award was established to recognize annually a full‑time, tenured/tenure‑track faculty member for a record of outstanding service at the University of North Texas over at least a five-year period. Dr. Lain was awarded for his outstanding contributions to the university through committee work, leadership and/or other university activities beyond teaching and scholarly or creative activities.

Dr. Lain's colleague, Dr. Suzanne Enck, describes his various acts of service and UNT pride best in her nomination letter to the Faculty Award's Committee, "Dr. Lain has excelled in all areas of his academic service to a wide range of communities, including his fellow faculty, his undergraduate and graduate students, collegiate and high school debate communities both locally and globally, and staff and administrative members at our university. He is a recognizable figure on campus, often donning bright green ties, shirts, and lapel pins; he exudes "mean green" spirit, inviting others into the fold of university life through lively conversations and deep institutional knowledge. It is no exaggeration to say that Dr. Lain fully embodies the mission and vision of the University of North Texas as a public university grounded in academic excellence and dedicated to cultivating thoughtful and engaged citizens of the world."

Just a few of the many acts of service performed by Dr. Lain at UNT within the past 15 years include: QEP Faculty Participation Committee (Co-Chair), University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (chair), Communication Studies Personnel Affairs Committee (Chair), John S. Gossett Memorial Scholarship Committee (Chair) and various Communication Studies Departmental Search Committees (Chair). Dr. Lain is also the Director of Debate at UNT where he serves as an instructor, moderator and mentor for various college and high school debate teams and competitions.

When asked for a statement explaining his service philosophy, Dr. Lain states, "Service is an opportunity to build relationships and partnerships. My commitment and willingness for service are a product of my own desire for the university to succeed in its mission. My own willingness to volunteer and lead a number of initiatives and collaborate with different teams is always directed at achieving some improvement, however small or large, that can better the student body, my faculty colleagues, and the overall university."

Dr. Lain will be awarded at the Salute to Faculty Excellence Awards Dinner and Ceremony in the Fall semester of 2017. Please help in giving him well-deserved congratulations!