The University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers has inducted eight new faculty members. The academy, which is the only system-wide university teaching academy in the United States, brings together faculty from all nine academic institutions within the UT System to promote excellence and innovation in teaching.
At the induction ceremony, UT System Chancellor John M. Zerwas said, “New fellows join a special group devoted to transformative education. Teaching excellence is essential to the UT System’s mission because every well-prepared nurse, engineer, teacher, doctor, scientist, software developer, manager, artist and public servant make for a stronger Texas.”
Founded in 2012, the academy recognizes faculty who have demonstrated outstanding achievements as teachers and mentors. Members serve as advisors to UT System leadership and work collectively to improve teaching quality across campuses. Since its inception, the academy has produced initiatives such as the Little Orange Books series, which features essays offering advice and reflections on classroom learning.
Rebecca Karoff, PhD, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, commented on this year’s inductees: “Congratulations to our newest fellows. They are thought leaders at their institutions and beyond, creative in the strategies they bring to their courses and classrooms, and they put students first ensuring their readiness for all that comes next as they complete degrees and pursue careers.”
The 2025 inductees include Gina Amatangelo (UT San Antonio), Kerrie Anne Ambort-Clark (UT Tyler), Erika Bsumek (UT Austin), Jennifer Dilley (UT San Antonio), David Han (UT San Antonio), Marcela Hebbard (UT Rio Grande Valley), Clint Peinhardt (UT Dallas), and Peggy Semingson (UT Arlington). Their areas of expertise range from public administration and business management to history, writing pedagogy, political science, statistics, and language studies.
These new fellows will contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing educational practices throughout the state.
