Three receive 2017 Tarleton State University Legacy Awards

Civility with Integrity
The Legacy Award for Civility with Integrity recognizes significant contributions to the betterment of society through character, forthrightness, honorable actions and commitment to the well-being of others.

This year’s recipient, Fort Worth City Councilman Jungus Jordan, is a champion of commercial and residential development along the new Chisholm Trail Parkway and Tarleton-Fort Worth’s new full-fledged campus expected to open in 2019.

Jordan and other North Texas leaders helped secure nearly $40 million from the 84th Texas Legislature to construct the first academic and administrative building on the new campus, located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Chisholm Trail Parkway and Old Granbury Road on 80 acres donated by The Walton Group of Companies. Current Tarleton-Fort Worth programs are offered at the Hickman Building, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., and the R.C. Shaffer Building, 1501 Enderly Place.

“A man of honor and impeccable integrity, Councilman Jordan serves his community with grace and distinction,” Dottavio said. “Championing the development along Chisholm Trail Parkway and the construction of our new campus in southwest Fort Worth, he is committed to improving quality of life for today’s families and future generations. Because of that commitment, North Texas is guaranteed a bright, prosperous future.”

First elected to city council in June 2005, Jordan represents District 6 in the far south and southwest portions of Fort Worth. Now in his sixth term, he serves as a board member of the National League of Cities and the North Texas Commission. He is a past chair and current executive board member of the Texas Municipal League. He serves on the Texas A&M Transportation Institute Advisory Council and the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Jordan has a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, including tours in Vietnam and Germany as well as for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He is recipient of more than 15 medals and commemorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, Jordan returned home to work as a development officer at Texas Christian University, then as vice president of marketing and business development for Eurpac Service Company. He also served as advisor with two national financial companies and now works part time for Cook Children’s.

An active volunteer, Jordan has been involved with the American Red Cross, Rotary Club, Optimist Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Excellence through Leadership
The Legacy Award for Excellence through Leadership recognizes an individual’s significant career accomplishments that bring honor and credit to Tarleton.

This year’s recipient, Dr. Jimmy Cheek, took the reins as the seventh chancellor of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2009.

“A Tarleton alumnus, Chancellor Cheek knows how to catch the vision of an organization and share it in a way that makes others want to follow,” Dottavio said. “Thanks to his leadership, UT is on its way to becoming one of the top 25 public research universities in the nation, and more than $1 billion dollars of construction is under way or in the design or planning stages on the Knoxville campus.

“A first-generation college student, Chancellor Cheek has set in motion initiatives to broaden UT’s diversity and student access, leading to his participation in the White House Summit on increasing college opportunities for low-income students,” Dottavio added. “Not only has Dr. Cheek brought great honor to UT, but he’s brought great honor to Tarleton.”

Prior to his service with UT, Cheek was a member of the faculty and an administrator at the University of Florida for 34 years, last serving as senior vice president of agricultural and natural resources. While at Florida, he received the President’s Medallion for service to the university and the Morton Wolfson Faculty Award for outstanding contributions to the quality of student life.

Cheek attended Tarleton for two years then finished his bachelor’s degree with high honors and his doctorate from Texas A&M University. He earned his master’s degree from Lamar University.

Tradition of Service
The Legacy Award for Tradition of Service recognizes the selfless giving of an individual or corporation that exemplifies the philanthropic ideals of university founder John Tarleton.

This year’s recipient, TexasBank, believes in supporting the growth and well-being of the communities it serves. That commitment is showcased at Tarleton by the James and Dorothy Doss Foundation Scholarships, established by the financial institution’s owners.

“It’s no secret that TexasBank bleeds purple,” Dottavio said. “With 80 percent of its Stephenville employees Tarleton alumni or students, TexasBank has a strong commitment to education and the local community.”

The Doss Foundation annually donates $25,000 in scholarships to help Tarleton juniors and seniors from Erath, Brown, Eastland and Comanche counties finish their degrees.

“The Doss-Knight family understands that it’s not always easy for students in small, rural communities to complete a university degree and is always looking to give where it can,” Dottavio said. “TexasBank pays it forward through education, making a difference in individual lives.”