Accounting professor Tim Thomasson is a favorite among the graduating senior class. The seniors have nominated Thomasson as The Collins Outstanding Professor of the year.

Thomasson will give the Collins lecture from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today at the Kayser Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

The lecture will center on Thomasson’s experience at an investor conference.

“My students always enjoy when I tell a story about my career prior to teaching at Baylor,” Thomasson said.

Thomasson said he hopes students attending the lecture will recognize his gratitude for the award and his faith in their abilities.

“Most importantly, I hope they understand how grateful I am for this recognition, and I hope they realize the wonderful contributions they can make once they leave Baylor,” he said.

Thomasson said he was honored and overwhelmed when he was notified about the award.

“It took a while to sink in,” he said.

Thomasson said it was meaningful to receive the award from the students he taught.

“Over 90 percent of my job includes interaction with my students, and it’s something I love doing,” Thomasson said. “To receive this recognition from them is a big honor.”

Thomasson is a Baylor graduate and has taught at Baylor since 2009.

The recognition encourages Baylor faculty to keep up the good work, said Dr. James Bennighof, vice provost for academic affairs and policy.

“It’s important for people to be honored for good work in general,” Bennighof said. “I think it’s important for students to have the opportunity to express gratitude, and I think it serves as an encouragement for other faculty to excel when they know their work is being recognized.”

Teachers who receive the Collins Award are selected because of their influence on students, Bennighof said.

“This person is someone who has been particularly meaningful to students here at Baylor as a teacher and a mentor,” he said.

The graduating senior class votes on the Collins professor each school year. All current professors who have taught at Baylor for at least four years are eligible for the award. The professor with the most votes wins the award.

Voting took place during the last two weeks of February. Thomasson was notified of the award the first week on March.

“It’s an opportunity for the members of the senior class to honor professors who they think have been particularly significant in their educational process,” Bennighof said.

The recipient of the award receives a $10,000 cash prize and gives a lecture of his or her choice at the end of the spring semester.

Bennighof said the Collins lecture is not a typical classroom lecture, and he encourages students to attend.