Higher Ed Student Maria Honey Receives the Bob Cook Distinguished Service Award - University of Houston
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Higher Ed Student Maria Honey Receives the Bob Cook Distinguished Service Award

Maria HoneyM.ED. in Higher Education student Maria Honey received the Bob Cook Distinguished Service Award at the Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers (SWACUHO).  Honey is currently the assistant director of marketing and communications for Auxiliary Services and Student Housing and Residential Life at the University of Houston (UH).

The award recognizes leadership, positive attitude, efforts in elevating the quality of marketing and communication for the Student Housing and Residential Life while embracing the university’s student success mission.

Honey feels that receiving the Bob Cooke Award shows that her colleagues, who she works with every day at UH, value her work.   “I strive to lead and serve the best I can and knowing that people have noticed and taken the time to nominate me for this award is rewarding,” she said.  “The students in the College of Education are doing great and wonderful things and this award helps shine the spotlight not just on me, but on all of us.”

In the Higher Education program, Honey really enjoys Higher Education assistant professor Lyle McKinney’s lecture style which she feels is dynamic and engaging. “His classes have challenged me to expand my thoughts past my opinions and biases,” she said.  “He also does a great job of providing a space that encourages healthy dialogue between classmates.”

Honey also admires Higher Education professor Alexander Schilt for his incredible love and genuine care for his students.  “The most memorable advice he has given me is to always strive for excellence in everything I do,” she said.  “It is something I find unattainable but Dr. Schilt says it is already within me.  It was a very powerful message that I will carry with me always.”

"The Higher Education faculty are extremely proud that Maria has been recognized by SWACUHO for her outstanding contributions at UH," said McKinney. "Maria is a shining example of servant leadership, and she genuinely cares about the well-being and success of each and every student."

In the future, Honey hopes to continue working at an institution of higher education. I enjoy marketing and communications but have begun contemplating teaching in some capacity at the college level. Perhaps after earning my master’s degree, I will have the opportunity to do both.