Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts at Texas State University are being recognized for excellence in research, scholarship, and creative work. These prestigious awards honor the dedication, talent, and impact of our faculty across a range of disciplines. From national accolades to university-level honors, our scholars continue to elevate the visibility of the liberal arts and contribute to broader conversations in their fields.
We are proud to celebrate their achievements and share the stories that inspire continued academic excellence.
Cyrus Cassells Wins 2025 Jackson Poetry Prize, $100,000 Award
Cyrus Cassells, Regents’ and University Distinguished Professor of English, has received the 2025 Jackson Poetry Prize, one of the most prestigious honors for American poets. Presented by Poets & Writers, the $100,000 award recognizes a poet of exceptional talent.
Author of 11 collections, including the recently published Everything in Life is Resurrection: Selected Poems, 1982–2022, Cassells was praised by judges for his “brave compassion,” lyrical precision, and global scope. His work draws from personal, historical, and cultural memory to create powerful, enduring poetry.
Cassells’ career includes two NEA fellowships, a Guggenheim, and honors from the Texas Institute of Letters. He served as the 2021–2022 Poet Laureate of Texas and continues to inspire students and readers through his teaching and creative work at Texas State.