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Members of The University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education Honored

AUSTIN – Ninety-two educators were honored Wednesday (July 14) for their exceptional contributions to health science education as members of The University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education, an organization of distinguished scholars recognized for their teaching excellence.

The educators, from each of the six UT health institutions, were recognized by the UT System Board of Regents during a ceremony honoring all members inducted into the academy since it was established in 2005, including 12 this year. A complete list of members may be viewed online.

“These faculty members have demonstrated great expertise and a record of distinguished service in their specialty. They have shown great passion for the attainment of excellence, and we believe they will have a positive impact on every student with whom they are engaged,” Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., said.

Members of the academy represent a diverse group of educators from the many disciplines in health science education who fulfill the strict criteria set by the academy. Among the criteria on which prospective members are judged are: direct teaching; curriculum development; counseling and mentorship; leadership; and educational scholarship and research.

“Not only have these faculty helped advance the capabilities of our next generation of health professionals, they also are helping UT fulfill its responsibility of significantly increasing the number of healthcare providers for its growing population,” Regents’ Vice Chairman Janiece Longoria said. “And for that, we believe it is especially important to express our gratitude to our exceptional health science educators.”

In addition to recognizing and supporting excellence in teaching, the academy’s goals include encouraging the development and implementation of innovative education projects, promoting curriculum design and reform, providing financial assistance for innovative educational projects and fostering faculty research, as outlined by Jonathan MacClements, M.D., president of the academy, in a presentation on Wednesday during the meeting of the UT System Board of Regents.

The academy chooses elite educators each year to carry out the organization’s mission, which is to foster excellence in education in the health sciences by recognizing outstanding educators and advancing knowledge and innovation in the education field.

About The University of Texas System

The University of Texas System is one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, with nine academic campuses and six health institutions. The UT System has an annual operating budget of $11.9 billion (FY 2010) including $2.5 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. Preliminary student enrollment exceeded 202,000 in the 2009 academic year. The UT System confers more than one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates nearly three-fourths of the state's healthcare professionals annually. With more than 84,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in the state.