College of Education recognizes outstanding alumnus

Fort Worth, TX

5/7/2009

By: Alexis Branaman, TCU Schieffer School of Journalism

Dr. Clark Cavin, a ‘95 TCU graduate, was the 2009 recipient of the Excellence in Education Award given by the TCU College of Education Alumni Association. The 16th annual award program was held in April at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

“I am honored to think that the recipients over the years are people who have been former this or retired that, and I was able to receive the award as a very active part of the education community,” said Dr. Cavin. “I am a middle school principal. I am not sure I did much to deserve it; I’m just doing my job. I am honored to be among the recipients of the award.”

He graduated from Baylor University in 1994 with a double major in religion and journalism. He returned to Fort Worth and worked as a home improvement contractor, concert promoter and youth minister. After several years devoted to these various careers, he was asked to work at his alma mater, Western Hills High School, where he became the volunteer football team chaplain. Dr. Cavin came to TCU in pursuit of his master’s degree in education, specifically special education.

He began teaching students with behavioral disorders at Western Hills after he graduated with his master’s degree from TCU in 1994. He also coached various sports for the high school, such as football, basketball, track, cross country and girls’ soccer.

“I never planned on getting a master’s degree or doctoral degree,” said Dr. Cavin. “But if you just keep going to school, they eventually give you a degree.”

After teaching at Western Hills for a few years, Dr. Cavin decided to pursue his doctorate in leadership and behavior disorders at the University of North Texas.

Dr. Cavin is now a principal at R.C. Loflin Middle School in Joshua, TX. His experience working with students with behavioral disorders required him to ask for help regularly, and to learn something new every day, Dr. Cavin said.

His hard work, continuous quest for knowledge, and dedication to students has paid off, resulting in various honors, such as the 2004 Distinguished Graduate Award from Western Hills High School and being named Fort Worth Texas Region Coach of the Year for the 1998-99 season.

Dr. Cavin is also a much-admired professor at TCU, the University of North Texas, Tarleton State and Texas Woman’s University. He teaches courses like the Study of Exceptional Students, Collaboration in the Classroom, and Classroom Motivation and Management.

His wife, five children, two dogs and one donkey are extremely proud of his various accomplishments, Dr. Cavin said.

Dr. Cavin was the 16th individual to receive this prestigious award from the TCU College of Education Alumni Association. Previous recipients have been: Brian Brazil, Dr. M.J. Neeley, Bill Haley, Mary Elmore Williams, Susan Swain Hotard, Taddie Curl Hamilton, Shari Perrin Emmons, Susan N. Smith, Dr. Henry J. Patterson, Ellen Young Swain, Sidney H. Poynter, Dr. Dan Powell, Dr. Cathy Collins Block, Kathy Lott and Dale Young.