Twelve faculty members from the University of Texas System have been named recipients of the 2025 Regents Outstanding Teaching Awards. The announcement was made by the UT System Board of Regents, highlighting educators from both academic and health institutions within the system.
“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 first introduced in 2008 for academic institutions within the UT System, later expanding to include health institutions as well. The awards are intended to honor faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovative teaching and high-quality instruction. Recipients receive a certificate, a medallion, and a cash award as recognition for their contributions.
This year’s honorees from academic institutions are: 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). Health institution recipients include 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 awards program reflects an ongoing effort by the UT System Board of Regents to emphasize teaching quality across its campuses.
