TSPS Awards have a long history dating back to 1965 when the first Surveyor of the Year award was given to E.D. Morse. Over the years, awards have been added with the newest award, Student Volunteer of Year, being added in 2021. We encourage you to review the award categories and their criteria to help you identify a nominee for each. 

In addition to the specific criteria listed under each award, all nominees must:

• Be an active TSPS member in good standing.
• Have made significant contributions to TSPS and its Members.
• Exemplify the best in the field by continually bringing credit to the industry. 

Awards will be presented at the 73rd Annual Convention & Tech Expo
in The Woodlands, October 9-12, 2024.

Award Categories:

Hugh L. George Award

The Hugh L. George Award is given to an individual who is no longer engaged in the practice of surveying, but has made significant contributions to TSPS and the surveying profession in the past. Nominees must be at least sixty (60) years old. 

Surveyor of the Year

Originating in 1965, this award is given to a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) and/or a Licensed State Land Surveyor (LSLS) in the State of Texas for a minimum of five (5) years, and in the last two (2) years has been recognized as a valuable citizen in the community in which they reside. The last five recipients are: Paul Carey, Steven Freeman, Edmundo R. Gonzalez, Jr., Shane Neally, and Stan Piper

Young Surveyor of the Year

The Young Surveyor of the Year is given to a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) and/or a Licensed State Land Surveyor (LSLS) in the State of Texas who has been licensed for less than five (5) years. Nominees must be thirty-nine (39) years of age or younger at the time of nomination. The last five recipients are: Garrett Smelker, Desiree Hurst, Cameron Lowe, Josh Leamons, and Anna Rios

Originating in 1988, this award is given to a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) and/or a Licensed State Land Surveyor (LSLS) in the State of Texas and shows witness to outstanding civic and educational contributions in their community, state, and profession. This award's nominees need to come from a local chapter. Past recipients include: Paul Carey, Henry Mayo, Andrew Sikes, Don King & William Forshey.

Geospatial Professional of the Year

The recipient of the Geospatial Professional of the Year is regularly engaged in a geospatial related field of practice, and in the last two (2) years has exhibited outstanding service to the Geospatial Profession. Nominee must be a member of a TSPS Chapter. Past recipients include: James Gillis, Ruben Gaztambide & Bill Swope II.

Eminent Educator of the Year

This award is given to a member who has outstanding contributions to the education of the Texas surveying community, at the professional or the paraprofessional level, for a minimum of twenty (20) years. Nominees have achieved a position of eminence as an educator among surveyors in Texas. Past recipients include: Henry Kuehlem, Dr. Gary Jeffress & Chester A. Varner Jr.

Educator of the Year

The Educator of the Year is given to a member who has contributed in an outstanding manner to the education of the Texas surveying community, at the professional or the paraprofessional level. Originating in 2017, this award is only given in years that the Eminent Educator Award is not given. Past recipients include: Isidro Garza, and Walter "Joe" Breaux.

Student Volunteer of the Year

This award recipient is a student, or recent graduate, of an accredited surveying program or related program at an institution of higher education or dual credit high school program. They have volunteered at multiple state society events while working towards their degree. Past recipients include: Heather Zavesky.

Chapter President of the Year

The Chapter President of the Year award is given to a Chapter President who exhibits outstanding service to the Chapter of which he/she is president. Nominee must be a RPLS and/or LSLS in the State of Texas and a sitting chapter president or immediate past president of a chapter. Past recipients include: Isidro Garza, Heather Sides, Joe Breaux, Philip Adams, and Trisha Lund

Back to Top

Nomination Process

1. Complete the nomination form
2. Each nominee will be vetted for the qualification of the award.
3. Nominees will be verified as a member in good standing and will be sent an electronic questionnaire asking them to complete the qualifying questions required.
4. Nominations may only be made by a TSPS voting member in good standing. Only one nomination per category per member is allowed.
5. Incomplete nominations will be disqualified.
   

Selection Process

1. The Awards Committee will carefully and thoroughly review nominees and make their selections.
2. All decisions made by the Awards Committee and Executive Committee are final.

Back to Top

Download the Nomination Form Now