Alumni
2022-2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by Texas State University and the Texas State Alumni Association. The award recognizes graduates who have achieved prominence and distinction in their chosen business, profession, or life work on a national or international level. The leadership shown by these alumni inspires all members of the Texas State community.
2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Larry M. Mark ('83)
Mark’s 32-year career with Atlanta-based Coca-Cola included separate turns as chief financial officer for Europe and North America and as Corporate Controller overseeing Coca-Cola’s annual reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission and company shareholders. In his most recent role as global vice president - finance operations, he was responsible for providing business, financial, and analytical support for the beverage company’s senior leadership team.
Barbara J. Smith ('01)
Smith has circled the globe as a diplomat representing the U.S. Agency for International Development on policy matters in Brussels, Paris, and Nairobi. She currently serves as the vice president for peace programs at The Carter Center and calls on her international experiences as she fights for human rights around the world.
Elizabeth Andriette Terrell ('97)
Terrell is a top senior executive for the largest logistics and supply chain management company in the United States, United Parcel Service (UPS). She is responsible for overseeing a multi- billion-dollar business plan in her role as vice president of sales and solutions in the Americas, Terrell leads a team of senior leaders and more than 800 sales professionals. Her team is focused on multiple campaigns, including executing revenue objectives and expanding the company’s global footprint by growing a greater market presence.
2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees
Robert Habibi ('81, '83)
Assumed various senior leadership roles in running public and private companies, including several start-ups. Developed a reputation as the "turn-around executive," restructuring unprofitable business units of public companies or re-launching small and promising technology companies to reach their potential.
Mitchell O'Neal Ward ('89)
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Dallas-based MW Logistics, LLC. MW Logistics, LLC designs logistics and transportation solutions for businesses by working with asset-based partners to secure shipping capacity and services across multiple transportation modes, including road, rail, and bulk/tanker options. Achieving profitability early on, MW Logistics has emerged as one of the leading third-party logistics providers in North America.
Pablo Mercado ('96)
Spent the last 15 years leading technology efforts at Vox Media, first as a start-up founder and engineer and then as Chief Technology Officer. Lled the technology and engineering teams that propelled Vox Media as it grew from a few individuals in a basement to an industry-leading modern media company.
Bruce Smith ('87)
Founder, President, and CEO of Safety Vision, LLC. In just 29 years, Safety Vision has grown to over 100+ employees with locations throughout the United States and headquartered in Houston, Texas. With revenues over $70 million per year to over 40 countries worldwide.
*Deceased