OXFORD, Miss. – Tom Andre, assistant professor of health, exercise science and recreation management at the University of Mississippi, is the recipient of the School of Applied Sciences’ 2021 Thomas A. Crowe Outstanding Faculty Award.
The award recognizes a permanent faculty member within the School of Applied Sciences who has shown exemplary teaching, research and service and whose accomplishments in one or more of these areas are considered meritorious. Each year, the school takes nominations from students, faculty, staff and alumni to evaluate which faculty member is most deserving of the award.
Tom Andre
Silvio Valladao, a doctoral student in health and kinesiology, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, nominated Andre for the award.
“In addition to performing his job as an assistant professor and graduate program coordinator at an exemplary level, Dr. Andre demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to our university community,” Valladao said.
“Dr. Andre takes it upon himself to provide exceptional support and service to undergraduate and graduate students in the exercise science programs. He is always open and willing to provide support to students that desire to participate in research for personal growth and to gather additional scholarly experiences.”
As director of the Exercise, Nutrition and Performance Laboratory, Andre, alongside his research team, has investigated research questions in a broad spectrum of topics. However, esports, or competitive video gaming, is the main research topic that distinguishes his laboratory at the university.
He is also a member of the Ole Miss Esports Advisory Committee and is on faculty search committees for multiple positions across campus, the Standing Committee on Recreational Facilities and the Health Professions Advisory Committee at the university.
Hannah Nelson is a third-year health and kinesiology doctoral student from Patrick Springs, Virginia. Nelson said Andre is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure both undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity they need to succeed.
“Dr. Andre is always open to listening to his students and providing feedback, encouragement, suggestions, and constructive criticism when appropriate,” Nelson said. “He is very personable, and you can always tell he cares about his students and their successes.
“Dr. Andre has helped me to grow as a student, an instructor, and a researcher during my Ole Miss experience so far.”
Minsoo Kang, HESRM department chair, said he is proud that a representative from the department is being recognized for outstanding performance in the classroom and laboratory.
“Tom deserves warm congratulations for this recognition,” Kang said. “Tom is a team player and has volunteered numerous times to be a representative of (the) department, school and university. He has an approachable and friendly demeanor, which allows him to work well with students and colleagues.
“Tom is an outstanding faculty who has demonstrated both academic and professional success through his continued guidance of exercise science students as well as his own scholarly achievements.”
Andre said he was surprised and humbled by the award.
“Knowing the legacy of excellence in teaching and mentoring established by Dr. Thomas A. Crowe, it is humbling to be the recipient of the award and a reminder of how blessed I am to be part of the Ole Miss community,” he said.
Peter Grandjean, dean of the School of Applied Sciences, said he considers Andre a remarkable professor in exercise science and a distinguished mentor to his students. He regards Andre as someone with a desire to help others achieve their dreams.
“He is known for his enthusiasm and ability to find a common bond with others,” Grandjean said. “Just a few of Tom’s endeavors include his work with our emerging esports program – helping them become nationally recognized. During the pandemic, he led walking sessions for students and staff choosing to live and work on campus. The walking sessions were attended by hundreds of people from all corners of (the) Ole Miss campus.
“Dr. Andre has forged important relationships with coaches and students in athletics. His work to measure sport performance and improve training parameters with the latest technological advances is cutting-edge work. Tom is a shining example of a great instructor, mentor and curious and engaging scientist.”
For more information about the School of Applied Sciences, visit https://sas.olemiss.edu or call 662-915-7900.