University of Texas-Pan American
Outstanding Student Awards

          In 2005, the Clinical Laboratory Science Program instituted two outstanding student awards:

The John Abraham Award for Academic Excellence was named after the first program director.  Dr. John Abraham established the program in 1976.  He was known to demand high standards of academic excellence and urged both students and faculty to strive for the highest levels of achievement. This award was named in his honor.  The award is given each year to the student that has the highest G.P.A in their clinical laboratory science courses.

The Parrott Award for Professionalism is named after a husband and wife team that   has earned the respect and admiration of laboratory professionals throughout the Valley. They have also been strong supporters and advocates for the University of Texas-Pan American Clinical Laboratory Science Program.  The level of dedication and commitment that James and Dolores Parrott demonstrate to the clinical laboratory science field serves as a model for both current and future graduates.  The award is given to students that demonstrate a commitment to community and professional service and show the highest levels of professional behavior.

 Mr. James C. Parrott received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University and a Master’s in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University.  He served as the Clinical Laboratory Manager/Administrator at Valley Baptist Medical Center from 1954-1994.establishing the Valley Baptist Hospital School of Medical Technology in 1956.  After his retirement he remained active as a CAP inspector and continued to serve on the UTPA Advisory Committee.

 Mrs. Dolores Parrott received her degree from Northwestern State University.  In addition to generalist certification as a medical technologist, she also obtained specialty certification in microbiology through ASCP.  Mrs. Parrott served as the Microbiology Supervisor at Valley Baptist from 1975-1996.  She also served as the Education Coordinator for the Valley Baptist School of Medical Technology from 1956 until 1975.    After her retirement from the Hospital, she served as a valued faculty member for the UTPA CLS Program. 

Mr. James C. Parrott and Dolores Parrott with Cristal Rangel, 2007 Parrott Award for Professionalism Recipient

John Abraham Award for Academic Excellence Award Winners

2005    Ricardo Lerma Jr                                       2011   Ronald Yang
2006    Ricardo M. Hinojosa Jr
2007    Francisco Gonzalez
2008    Anees Nawabjan
2009    Jon Paul Vincent Yap
2010    Wasiela Salinas

James and Dolores Parrott Award for Professionalism

2005    Jessica Riojas Rivera                                2011  Daniel Pina
2006    Ricardo Hinojosa Jr.
2007    Cristal Rangel
2008    Kassandra Madrigal
2009    Armando Ortiz, Jr
2010    Mark E. Vera