By RAYMOND ADEEKO

Staff Writer

Dr. Janie Humphries, a professor of human ecology, was named a 2004 distinguished alumna of Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

The award will be presented to her during a luncheon Tuesday, held at the Texas campus.

Humphries is one of four recipients of the award, which has been an annual tradition of TWU since 1969.

Humphries said she was amazed to be recognized with such an honor but is proud to join the league of distinguished alumnae.

"I'm honored to be in this category of [alumnae] recipients, and I'm proud of TWU and the education I received there," Humphries said. "The professors and colleagues I met there are very supportive professionals I can call upon for expertise."

TWU awards this honor to people who are considered to be ambassadors of their alma mater and are deemed to be accomplished in their fields. They have also contributed to the development of society through public or humanitarian activities.

Linda Sivils, an associate professor of human ecology, said Humphries deserves the award because of her dedication to work and her cooperative spirit with others.

She also said Humphries is a capable, proficient and excellent colleague to work with.

"She is one of the most competent and knowledgeable persons in her field, and she is willing to share this knowledge unselfishly," Sivils said.

Humphries said she was unaware of her nomination but was pleased she won the award.

"The fact that I was nominated is surprising, knowing that such awards are based on success and achievements," Humphries said.

Humphries graduated from TWU in 1964 with a degree in vocational home economics.

She later went on to obtain a master's degree at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1968.

In 1986, she obtained her doctorate of education from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University, in Commerce, Texas.

Humphries began teaching in the School of Human Ecology at Tech in the fall of 1987.

She said this award is a motivation for her to continue her work in improving the field of child education.

"I'm going to continue to do what I have been doing in the field of child development and early childhood," Humphries said.

Humphries also said she has known past recipients of the award and is honored to become part of the distinguished elite.