The University of Texas System Board of Regents has named 12 faculty members as recipients of the 2025 Regents Outstanding Teaching Awards. The awards, which recognize educators from both academic and health institutions within the UT System, highlight exceptional teaching and innovative classroom practices.
“The Board of Regents is proud to recognize these educators for their dedication to the core values of teaching excellence and student success. We are truly grateful for the role they play in preparing and inspiring the next generation of Texas leaders and innovators,” said UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife.
The Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards were established in 2008 to honor faculty at UT academic institutions and later expanded to include health institutions. The program aims to acknowledge those who demonstrate innovation, creativity, and commitment in their teaching. Each honoree receives a certificate, medallion, and cash award.
Recipients from academic institutions include Jigarkumar Sureshbhai Patel (UT Dallas), Carolina Valencia (UT El Paso), James Francis Adams (Stephen F. Austin State University), Karen Magruder (UT Arlington), Lela Vukovic (UT El Paso), Adam McGuire (UT Tyler), Vernita Gordon (UT Austin), and Mohsen Shahandashti (UT Arlington).
From health institutions, the honorees are Margarita Vasquez (UT Health Science Center at San Antonio), Shalizeh “Shelly” Patel (UT Health Science Center at Houston), Craig Sisson (UT Health Science Center at San Antonio), and Clifton Fuller (UT MD Anderson Cancer Center).
The University of Texas System continues to emphasize the importance of quality teaching across its campuses.
