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Collins Outstanding Professor Award

Walter M. (Sparky) Matthews

Baylor University’s 2026 Senior Class has selected Walter M. "Sparky" Matthews, M.D., B.A. ’92, as the 2026 Collins Outstanding Professor.  Retired from the U.S. Air Force as the First Surgeon General (Acting) of the United States Space Force, Dr. Matthews returned to his alma mater in 2020 to teach in the Honors College as clinical professor and pre-medical mentor in the Honors Program.

Collins Award

The Collins Outstanding Professor Award is generously provided by the Carr P. Collins Foundation in order to recognize and honor outstanding teachers at Baylor University. Baylor's current Senior Class elects the Collins Outstanding Professor for each school year. The Collins Professor receives a cash award of $10,000, recognition in university publications, citation on a plaque, and recognition in the spring commencement program. The Collins Professor also delivers a special lecture on a subject of his or her choice. The lecture will be published and made available to the university community.

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