Army-Baylor Honors Faculty for Their Research, Service
2026 A. David Mangelsdorff Researcher of the Year
Lt. Col. Allison Ferro has been selected as the 2026 Dr. A. David Mangelsdorff Researcher of the Year, marking her second time receiving this honor. This recognition reflects sustained contributions that advance the science while supporting the Army Baylor Graduate Program’s needs. Her work as the Army Nurse Corps Historian continues the legacy of Professor Emeritus A. David Mangelsdorff by ensuring that historical scholarship remains integral to professional identity, leadership development and readiness. Through publications, public engagement and historically grounded inquiry, she reinforces the relevance of military medical history as a foundation for contemporary practice.
Over the past year, Lt. Col. Ferro’s research efforts strengthened the program’s scholarly mission and expanded its national and international visibility. She produced ten poster presentations, including one at an international conference, delivered a plenary session and a panel session and published five peer‑reviewed manuscripts with an additional paper in press. Her federally funded research portfolio surpassed $1 million, supporting high‑priority studies across the Military Health System. These accomplishments reflect a consistent commitment to generating and disseminating knowledge that informs military healthcare delivery and operational readiness.
Her work also advanced the development of future military scientists and strengthened the program’s research infrastructure. She mentored research fellows, supported military doctoral students, guided a grant submission requiring an experienced funded mentor and provided individualized research coaching to faculty. As a reviewer for peer‑reviewed journals, she contributed to scientific rigor across the profession. In her role leading the Graduate School Research and Education Symposium, she ensured broad participation across programs and elevated the visibility of student and faculty scholarship. Her continued leadership of the Research Committee reinforced a culture of inquiry and supported both faculty productivity and student engagement.
Lt. Col. Ferro’s contributions reflect a sustained commitment to advancing military scholarship, strengthening the Army-Baylor research mission and preserving the historical foundations that shape the Military. Her work embodies the values of Professor Mangelsdorff by integrating rigorous research, historical stewardship and the development of future scholars.
2026 Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award
Chaplain Maj. Jon Butler reflects on receiving the Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award:
Two well-known organizations that emphasize service over self are the United States Army and Baylor University. One of the stated Army Values, for example, is “Selfless Service,” with the following description: “Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your team before your own.” Baylor University likewise has a mission to educate not for the sole purpose of learning facts or simply to “get a job,” but “for worldwide leadership and service.” The goal is to foster the integration of inward growth with an outward perspective.
When I think about these core organizational values and consider those who have served in the past within these two remarkable institutions, it is quite humbling to receive the Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award this year. The unique combination of military service and purposeful education at the Army-Baylor MHA/MBA program helps to generate a culture of service. The award, then, is representative of something greater. It is a testimony to the example lived out by others day in and day out, reflecting a legacy of the program and beyond.
About two years ago, I was challenged by a senior leader to show up and be present even when it is not convenient. Of course, I had heard things like this before, but this challenge came directly at me, and I could not ignore it. Without going into too many details, I responded by increasing my service commitment and involvement, with the support of my family. It was truly a team effort. This increased involvement led to a series of fortuitous instances that could be described as “being in the right place at the right time.”
Those moments would only have happened, however, if I were present, willing, and ready to serve. I’m grateful for this senior leader who took the time to challenge me to be more involved and then continued to serve alongside me with vision and support. We probably all need to be challenged at times regarding this important area of life. This service award is a reminder to me of how words and actions of fellow team members and leaders can spur one another on “as iron sharpens iron.”
2025 A. David Mangelsdorff Researcher of the Year
In 2025, the Army-Baylor MHA/MBA Program recognized Lt. Col. Tiara N. Walz, PhD, MHA, MBA, MSEd, FACHE, with the Dr. A. David Mangelsdorff Researcher of the Year Award, honoring her commitment to scholarship, collaboration, and advancing research relevant to military and federal healthcare.
Throughout the year, Lt. Col. Walz contributed to a growing body of scholarship spanning healthcare management education, military women’s health, health policy, and the development of future healthcare leaders. Her peer-reviewed publications during the year reflected a commitment to examining contemporary issues with direct relevance to healthcare leaders, military populations, and graduate healthcare management education. Her broader research portfolio continued to explore questions related to veterans’ health and the policies and systems that shape health outcomes.
Her scholarship extended beyond publication. During 2025, Lt. Col. Walz presented research at national forums including the AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration Annual Meeting, while also contributing to research presented at the MEDCoE Graduate School Research and Education Symposium and AMSUS. Her work reflected a commitment to asking meaningful questions across disciplines and translating research into education, policy and practice.
Equally important to Lt. Col. Walz is creating opportunities for others to engage in scholarship. In 2025, she collaborated extensively with Army-Baylor faculty and students, mentored student research projects addressing contemporary health policy challenges, and served the broader research community as a reviewer for Military Medicine, the Journal of Health Administration Education, Health Services Research, Academy Health and the American Public Health Association.
For Lt. Col. Walz, the award carries particular meaning because of the individual for whom it is named. Dr. A. David Mangelsdorff was one of her professors when she was an Army-Baylor student and has remained an important influence on her development as a scholar and educator.
“Research is one of the ways I believe we can give back,” Lt. Col. Walz said. “I think the research process is a beautiful way to explore ideas, ask important questions, and work alongside incredible colleagues and professors to find answers that can ultimately make our organizations and the people we serve better. That ability to remain curious and keep learning is one of the things I value most about being a PhD and a professor at Army-Baylor.”
2026 Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award
Dr. Mauricio José Jiménez was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Army-Baylor Faculty Service Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to service across the program, MEDCoE, the Army, and his local community. During AY24–25, Dr. Jiménez balanced a substantial teaching load and volunteered more than 385 volunteer hours supporting organizations, including the Boy Scouts, YMCA, and community recreational centers. Within Army-Baylor, he led the Executive Healthcare Resource Management Course, chaired the Oral Boards, co-chaired the Faculty Development Committee, supported GSRES, and mentored junior officers in the Army 72D area of concentration. His contributions also extended across MEDCoE through service on the Master Instructor Board. Dr. Jiménez’s commitment to service extends beyond his faculty responsibilities through his continued service as an Army Reserve officer.
As of fall 2026, Dr. Jiménez continues his service during a Reserve deployment to Guam.
