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University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers to induct four new members

AUSTIN, TX (May 2, 2023) The University of Texas System’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers — the only system-wide university teaching academy in the United States — will induct four new faculty members honored for their commitment to excellence as teachers, mentors and leaders.

As Academy Fellows, the new members will join other outstanding faculty members from all eight UT academic institutions in serving as advisors to UT System leaders and in working to improve the quality of teaching, promote innovation and share educational initiatives across the state.

"The new class of UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers came from a highly qualified pool of candidates," said Rebecca Karoff, PhD, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. "While distinct in their approaches and disciplines, each new Fellow brings to the Academy the commitment to create classroom learning environments that help all their students feel like they belong and can be successful in college and in the world beyond."

The Academy of Distinguished Teachers was established in 2012. Academy Fellows, who represent all eight of the UT System’s academic institutions, serve in an advisory role for UT System leadership and, individually and collectively, work to improve the quality of teaching across the UT System, promote pedagogical innovation, and facilitate educational discourses and other initiatives across the state. New members are selected from among recipients of the UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. 

The 2023 inductees are listed below:

Teresa Patricia (Paty) Feria Arroyo – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Teresa Patricia (Paty) Feria Arroyo – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
A biology professor, associate dean for faculty success in the College of Sciences and a UTRGV provost fellow and Office for Sustainability fellow, Feria created “Juntos al Exito” (Together to Success) that brings panels of faculty/administrators and students together to share insights, personal histories and advice to help others succeed.
 

 

Salena Brody – The University of Texas at Dallas

Salena Brody – The University of Texas at Dallas
A professor of instruction in psychology and assistant director for the Center for Teaching and Learning, Brody encourages students to use psychology for the public good and brings faculty together to develop innovative classroom practices.

 

 

Jen Moon – The University of Texas at Austin

Jen Moon – The University of Texas at Austin
A professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences, Moon collaborated with theater colleagues to develop a professional development workshop series that incorporates arts-based pedagogy for science and engineering faculty.

 

 

Clark Moreland – The University of Texas Permian Basin

Clark Moreland – The University of Texas Permian Basin
Moreland is the founder and director of the Heimmermann Center for Engaged Teaching, which promotes the use of student-centered teaching strategies throughout West Texas. As a member of the UT System Faculty Developers Team, he researches how to expand access and belonging in emerging learning environments.

 

 

About the Academy of Distinguished Teachers
The University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers is an organization of faculty scholars who have established exceptional records of accomplishment as classroom teachers and mentors. Representing all eight of the academic institutions of the UT System, Academy Fellows are deeply committed to the advancement of teaching and learning, and they serve in an advisory role for the UT System leadership. This is not merely an honorific organization. Members of the Academy, individually and collectively, work to improve the quality of teaching across the UT System, promote pedagogical innovation, and facilitate educational discourses and other initiatives across the state. Since 2012, the Academy of Distinguished Teachers has produced two Little Orange Books, featuring essays by Fellows, institutional leadership and students that offer expert teaching tips and thoughtful reflections on classroom learning. A third Little Orange Book focused on the value of higher education is under development.  

About The University of Texas System

For nearly 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans and people all over the world through education, research and health care. With 13 institutions that enroll more than 243,000 students collectively, the UT System is one of the largest public university systems in the United States. UT institutions produce more than 64,000 graduates annually and award more than one-third of undergraduate degrees in Texas and more than 60% of the state’s medical degrees. Collectively, UT-owned and affiliated hospitals and clinics account for more than 10 million outpatient visits and more than 2 million hospital days each year. UT institutions are among the most innovative in the world, ranking No. 1 in Texas and No. 2 in the nation for federal research expenditures. The UT System also is one of the largest employers in Texas – employing more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, support staff and student workers – and has an operating budget of $25.2 billion for fiscal year 2023.

News Contact Information

Paul Corliss: pcorliss@utsystem.edu • 512-499-4761 (direct)