The University of Texas System’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers has inducted eight new faculty members. The Academy, established in 2012, is recognized as the only system-wide university teaching academy in the United States.
During the induction ceremony, UT System Chancellor John M. Zerwas stated, “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.”
The Academy consists of faculty scholars from all nine academic institutions within the UT System who have demonstrated exceptional achievements as teachers and mentors. Fellows advise UT System leadership and work on initiatives to improve teaching quality across campuses and throughout Texas. Since its founding, the Academy has produced the Little Orange Books series—essays by Fellows and institutional leaders offering advice and reflections on classroom learning.
Rebecca Karoff, PhD, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, commented on the new 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 are:
– Gina Amatangelo (The University of Texas at San Antonio), Distinguished Teaching Professor and Professor of Practice in Public Administration; Associate Dean of the Honors College.
– Kerrie Anne Ambort-Clark (The University of Texas at Tyler), management faculty member and Assistant Dean in Soules College of Business.
– Erika Bsumek (The University of Texas at Austin), Ellen Clark Temple Chair in Women’s History; creator of ClioVis digital timeline software.
– Jennifer Dilley (The University of Texas at San Antonio), Distinguished Teaching Professor and Professor of Instruction focusing on experiential learning.
– David Han (The University of Texas at San Antonio), Distinguished Teaching Professor whose research covers statistical modeling and AI-driven education.
– Marcela Hebbard (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), Senior Lecturer specializing in writing pedagogies related to artificial intelligence.
– Clint Peinhardt (The University of Texas at Dallas), Professor with research interests in international economics.
– Peggy Semingson (The University of Texas at Arlington), Associate Professor specializing in TESOL; Interim Director for UTA Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence.
These new fellows will contribute to ongoing efforts to promote innovation in teaching practices across the UT System.
