The Reverend Robert Gilbert and Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Awards
The 2026 Reverend Robert Gilbert and Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Awards honor Baylor Black alumni who exemplify service, leadership, and impact in their communities and professions.
We’re proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Rev. Robert Gilbert and Mrs. Barbara Walker Distinguished Achievement Awards: Tiffany Jones-Smith (BA ’95), Brian Benson (BS ’05), and J.J. (John Eric) Joe (BBA '93).
Tiffany Jones-Smith (BA ’95) is President and CEO of the Texas Kidney Foundation and Chair of the Texas Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force, where she leads statewide efforts to improve kidney health through community-driven innovation and measurable results. A nationally recognized leader, she has advanced research, policy, and education initiatives that reflect her commitment to public health, market-based solutions, and empowering underserved communities.
Dr. Brian Benson (BS ’05) is a fellowship-trained reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon with expertise in complex lower extremity procedures, currently serving as an attending surgeon at Beauregard Health System and Associate Professor at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. A passionate mentor and advocate for diversity in medicine, he also contributes nationally as a device consultant and design surgeon, published academic, and panelist/moderator for the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit.
J.J. (John Eric) Joe (BBA ’93) was a Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Bears to back-to-back bowl appearances and remains among the program’s top 10 in multiple passing and total offense categories. A three-time Academic All-American, he was inducted into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006. After earning his finance degree, Joe built a successful career in business and later served as senior executive director and chief financial officer at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. He also spent more than two decades as a Baylor football radio analyst. Joe was honored posthumously.
Past Recipients
Use the links below to view the past Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Award honorees.
The mission of the Black Alumni Alliance is to aid and support Baylor University in its endeavors to improve and promote the matriculation of African-American scholars and to encourage the active participation of its African-American alumni.