James Thurmond Ph.D.), Master of Public Administration Program Director, University of Houston, received the Terrell Blodgett Academician Award from Texas City Management Association president Courtney Sharp (R). The award is given in recognition of significant contributions to the formal education of students pursuing careers in local government. Thurmond served for 30 years as city manager in Cleveland, Uvalde, and Missouri City, Texas prior to joining the UH faculty.