Army-Baylor Honors Lt. Col. Ferro, Maj. Walz for Their Research, Service
Lt. Col. Allison Ferro, PhD, received the Dr. A. David Mangelsdorff Research of the Year Award for her leadership in faculty and student research, honoring the legacy of Dr. Mangelsdorff through impactful projects and mentorship. Maj. Tiara Walz, PhD, was awarded the Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award for her deep commitment to mentorship, advocacy and volunteerism, both within and beyond the military healthcare community. Together, their contributions reflect the Army-Baylor program’s dedication to scholarship, service and leadership.
Lt. Col. Allison Ferro, PhD, Army Nurse Corps, and Recipient of the Dr. A. David Mangelsdorff Research of the Year Award
It is an honor to celebrate this award in the legacy of A. David Mangelsdorff, PhD. His legacy has directly inspired my own work as research committee chair. With his example in mind, I was able to reignite faculty research efforts, foster new collaborations between faculty members and strengthen faculty-student research partnerships. I have had the privilege of leading several research teams within the Army-Baylor program, always carrying Dr. Mangelsdorff’s commitment to scholarship and mentorship with me. A few of these project teams that I have had the privilege to lead include:
“Self-improvement through coaching for enhanced measures (SICEM)”
“GPA inflation in military graduate education: Insights from the Army-Baylor program”
“Improving faculty onboarding: An Evidence-Based Approach to quality, retention, and morale”
His influence continues to drive my passion for advancing research within our community, and I am grateful to follow in his footsteps. His impact will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, myself included, ensuring that research and scholarship remain at the heart of the Army-Baylor tradition.
Maj. Tiara Walz, PhD, Medical Service Corps, and Recipient of the Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award
Service has always been a cornerstone of my identity. To me, service is an ethos rooted not only in my military career but in how I choose to spend my time outside of uniform. The importance of giving back – and the role service plays in uplifting our communities – was instilled in me by the people I serve with, my family and my mentors.
In 2023-2024, I committed myself to causes that reflect my values: mentoring future healthcare leaders, advocating for women's health and marginalized communities, and supporting professional development across military and civilian systems. Whether organizing community events with the San Antonio Road Runners, supporting the San Antonio Food Bank, or volunteering with organizations like AcademyHealth, AUPHA, ACHE and AMSUS, I’ve found purpose and empowerment in giving back – not to mention how much I’ve learned from others committed to service. Shared responsibility and commitment to bettering others are incredibly rewarding and impactful. Service isn’t something we do for recognition. It’s a way to stay connected, grounded and committed to a life of purpose and fulfillment in working for others. I am grateful for this award and thankful for the many individuals who inspire me – they make me hopeful about the future of healthcare, our country and the world.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”
— Albert Einstein
