Josh Heater Wins 2026 Scott Bruner Award for Visionary Student Leadership at A&M-Texarkana

TEXARKANA, Texas – Faculty, staff, students, family and friends gathered at Texas A&M University-Texarkana on Thursday, May 7, 2026, for a luncheon honoring the nominees for the 2026 Scott Bruner Award for Visionary Student Leadership. Awarded each spring, The Bruner Award recognizes students who embody four key values: service, leadership, impact, and community building. Based on leadership and service to the University, the winner must have a significant, positive impact on the campus climate and strive to make the University a better place for everyone through their leadership and involvement in the campus community.

The annual award is named for Scott Bruner, whose leadership, support, and guidance has been crucial in the growth and development of A&M-Texarkana. His vision and dedication to the University played a critical role in the University’s downward expansion and move to the Bringle Lake campus, and he continues to impact the University and its students in meaningful ways.

Bruner was unable to attend this year’s ceremony due to a scheduling conflict, but via recorded message expressed his appreciation for the leadership shown by all of the nominees. Presenting the award in his absence were his son and daughter-in-law Collins and Monica Bruner, along with their daughter Anna Scott.

The 2026 Scott Bruner Award for Visionary Student Leadership was awarded to Evan “Josh” Heater, a junior mechanical engineering major from Houston, Texas. Josh is the founding President of the University’s Mechanical Engineering Club, and has been a leader with Student Government, Phi Lambda Chi, and the University Student Ambassador program, where he has served for multiple years. Josh is widely recognized for mentoring and empowering others, encouraging involvement, and fostering strong, collaborative communities across campus.

“I would like to recognize all of the nominees for this year’s Scott Bruner Award for Visionary Student Leadership,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Texas A&M University-Texarkana President. “Their nomination for this award speaks to the value they bring to our University community and to their commitment to not just studying here but working to make it a better place for everyone. This year’s winner, Josh Heater, has taken on leadership roles in multiple groups and organizations across campus over multiple years, and embodies everything the Bruner Award represents. I congratulate Josh on this prestigious award.”

Other nominees included Daniela Hernandez, Diamond Hampton, Hannah Jarrett, Jaquelin (Jaky) Moreno Flores, Juvard Anthony, Payton Perkins, Ryan Walker, and Sneha GC.