MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — After 39 years at Middle Tennessee State University, internationally acclaimed percussionist Lalo Davila has learned that a career milestone deserves a little humor — especially when you’re standing in front of a crowd.
“If I were to tell you that I’m not nervous, that would not be true,” Davila said while accepting the 2026 Career Achievement Award at the annual Fall Faculty and Staff Meeting and Foundation Awards held on campus Thursday, Aug. 20, in Tucker Theatre. “I normally am not because I enjoy the stage, but this is a little different.”
Davila, a professor of music and director of percussion studies, arrived at MTSU in 1987 as a young man from Corpus Christi, Texas, with a dream of becoming a university professor.
“His career embodies sustained excellence in teaching, creative activity and service to the profession and our institution,” University Provost Mark Byrnes said during his introduction of Davila.
Now going into his 40th year at MTSU, Davila has helped shape generations of musicians while building an international career as a performer, composer and educator.
Extensive career spans the globe
As he began thanking his “village” of faculty supporters and family — including fellow percussion faculty member and wife, Julie Davila — the professor did what has made him an endearing part of the School of Music: He made everyone laugh.
He first poked a little fun at his adopted state of Tennessee, retelling a story about his first visit to the bank.
And then, with his eyes looking toward the ceiling, “My dad, who was a roofer, would be very proud of me. Dad, if you’re up there,” he continued, pausing, “that’s a joke, too, y’all,” he added, grinning, as the theater erupted in laughter and applause.
His career is as extensive as his collection of “dad jokes,” which were interspersed throughout his acceptance speech.
In addition to classroom instruction, Davila directs the MTSU Salsa Band, introducing students to the traditions of Afro-Cuban salsa music through performances on and off campus.
His off-campus performance career includes collaborations with artists Six Pence None The Richer, Clay Walker and Take 6. He has also appeared in performances with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Nashville Symphony and Nashville Ballet.
He can be heard on Kirk Whalum’s Grammy-nominated album “Hymns in the Garden” and his performances and voice have reached audiences worldwide through stage works such as “Disney’s Aladdin”(Dual Language Edition), films such as “The Equalizer”and “McFarland, USA,” and video games including “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic,” “Call of Duty: Black Ops III,” and EA Sports’ “College Football 25.”
He has also composed original music for television series such as “Breaking Bad,” “Burn Notice,” “Drop Dead Diva” and “Prison Break.”
But Davila’s award speech wasn’t really about the accolades. Although he was keen on entertaining the crowd with his humor, he was heartfelt in expressing his gratitude for the past 40 years at MTSU.
“This is an amazing place,” Davila said. “Me, as a faculty member, you’ve got to know that I look at you guys and go, ‘Am I a part of these people?’ And I thank God that I am, every day.
“You guys are amazing.”
President’s Silver Column Awards
Before the presentation of the Foundation Awards, McPhee announced recipients of the fourth annual President’s Silver Column Awards, with nine employees who demonstrated “exemplary dedication and excellence in their respective positions.”
Winners included:
• Carey Haney, senior office coordinator in Blue Raider Athletics.
• Franck Mukendi, information technology specialist.
• Cindy Johnson, associate registrar.
• Chris Rochelle, assistant director of Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veteran and Military Family Center.
• Amanda Witt, project manager with Construction and Renovation Services.
• Kate Pantelides, English professor.
• David Edgar, manager of University Space Management.
• Ronda Vaughter, assistant vice president for Advancement Services.
• Allison McGoffin, assistant to the Office of the Provost.
Each winner received a commemorative pin and plaque, along with a monetary award.
Faculty service awards
MTSU honored 13 additional professors during the Aug. 20 meeting.
Recipients of the MTSU Foundation’s 2026 Outstanding Teaching Awards are:
• Bonnie Barksdale, professor of literacy education, Womack Department of Teaching, Learning and Innovation.
• Scott McDaniel, professor, Department of University Studies.
• Andrew Polk, professor and chair, Department of History.
• Candie Moonshower, master instructor, Department of English, was honored with Outstanding Teaching in True Blue Core.
Eight additional Foundation Award recipients are:
• Outstanding Public Service Award — Cynthia Chafin, director, Center for Health and Human Services.
• Outstanding Public Service Award — Mei Han, professor of Music and director of the Center for Chinese Music and Culture.
• Outstanding Public Service Award — Sam Zaza, associate professor, Department of Information Systems and Analytics.
• Distinguished Early Career Research Award — Jessica Arbour, assistant professor, Department of Biology.
• Distinguished Senior Research Award — Ying “Iris” Gao, professor of plant and soil sciences, School of Agriculture.
• Distinguished Senior Research Award — Christoph Rosenmüller, professor, Department of History.
• Distinguished Early Career Creative Activity Award — Collin McDonald, assistant professor, Department of Aerospace.
• Distinguished Senior Career Creative Activity Award — Rodrigo Gómez Claros, professor, Department of Media Arts.
• Distinguished Senior Career Creative Activity Award — Sheri Selph, associate professor, Department of Art and Design.
During the gathering, MTSU also honored 18 new faculty emeriti, including one posthumously, and 49 newly promoted and/or tenured faculty across campus.
— Nancy DeGennaro ([email protected])
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