HCU Alumna Dr. Nay Chevalier Named 2024 B.E.S.T. Award Recipient

Houston Christian University (HCU) alumna Dr. Nay Chevalier has been named a recipient of the 2024 B.E.S.T. (Baptist Educators Serving Texans) Award. The award celebrates Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students.

Candidates for the award must be a teacher or administrator in a Texas public school system; a graduate of one of nine Texas Baptist universities; and a member of a Baptist church supportive of the Texas Baptists.

Chevalier, a 7th grade science teacher at Forest Brook Middle School, earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services from HCU's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (COEBS) in 2023.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award. Teaching is a profoundly fulfilling profession, offering the chance to impact countless students and the broader community. I take great pleasure in guiding students as they uncover the joy of learning, broaden their knowledge, explore new interests, connect with the world, and achieve both their academic and personal goals," said Dr. Nay Chevalier.

Dr. Katie Alaniz, Associate Dean, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Online and Director of the Center for Learning Innovations and Teaching Excellence (C-LITE), commended Dr. Chevalier for a "well-deserved honor."

"I want to wholeheartedly congratulate you on being named a B.E.S.T. Educator of the Year! We could not be more thrilled for you, and we are tremendously grateful for the countless ways in which you represent the Lord and our HCU community with excellence," said Dr. Alaniz.

Dr. Chevalier will be presented with the B.E.S.T Award at the Dr. Dawn K. Wilson Teaching, Learning, and Research Symposium and Luncheon honoring The Guild on Saturday, October 12. The symposium, a special celebration of teaching, learning and research, was developed by former HCU Professor Dr. Dawn Wilson, who impacted countless lives through her passion for education, her heart for service and her devotion to mentorship.

For more information on the B.E.S.T. Awards, visit the Texas Baptists website.

# # #

About Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation's largest metropolitan centers, HCU's culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.