Today@Sam Article

Zelbst Earns Prestigious TSUS Regents' Professor Award

Nov. 26, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

Sam Houston State University’s Dr. Pamela Zelbst has reached many heights in her storied career in business and academics, but the versatile educator can now add Texas State University System’s (TSUS) highest honor to her resume.  

“I was surprised and shocked,” Zelbst said on her reaction to receiving the TSUS Regents’ Professor Award. “I felt the full gamut of emotions from the satisfaction of being acknowledged as a contributor to the quality of my university to the gratitude of being found worthy by the Board of Regents.”

Zelbst is the first SHSU professor to receive this award since 2022 and the first in the College of Business Administration (COBA) since 2016.

As Co-Director of the Center for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, she understands the crucial role business plays in all aspects of society. Through her efforts, the center’s students have pursued critical work in producing COVID-19 protection gear as well as producing an artificial limb. They’ve also established partnerships with some of the most innovative organizations in the world including NASA.

“My teaching focus has always been on providing my students with useable knowledge,” she said. “I also wanted to contribute to my field through research. I am constantly learning and I subsequently incorporate my knowledge into my teaching methodology.”

Like many under her tutelage, Zelbst is a first-generation college student. She was a successful entrepreneur prior to moving to Texas and first embarking on her higher educational journey at Sam.

“I chose SHSU because I immediately felt like I belonged,” she said.

After graduating with honors and falling further in love with the Bearkat community, she decided to enter the MBA program. She completed her graduate work in one year and with a plethora of options available she had to decide her next step.

“While exploring the possibility of starting another business venture or joining private industry, I was asked to teach as an adjunct faculty member and discovered my true calling in life,” Zelbst said.

She retained this role for several years and, at the urging of her husband, began pursuing her doctorate at the University of Texas at Arlington with the intention of returning to SHSU for good as soon as possible.

Since returning, her vast knowledge, relatable nature and ability to communicate complicated concepts in an efficient way have made her a favorite in the university community and a staple in COBA.

“She provides the best lecture-type presentations, which always help me understand the subject matter and feel engaged in class,” one of her students said.

“She is one of the few reasons I remained in the program,” said another. “She is an excellent instructor and truly cares about her students and does everything in her power to assist them on their journey.”

Zelbst, like all professors who receive this prestigious distinction, will maintain the title for the duration of her service within the TSUS. She was formally recognized at the Board of Regents' monthly meeting Nov. 22, where she received a commemorative medallion and official resolution.

Zelbst is one of two Bearkats to earn distinctions from the TSUS Board of Regents in 2024. SHSU's William "Bill" Tidwell earned the Staff Excellence Award and will be honored during their February meeting. Fittingly, Tidwell is one of Zelbst's former students. 

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu