The UT Austin Tower will shine with orange lights Wednesday, October 5 to honor the 2016 inductees of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

The Academy of Distinguished Teachers is emblematic of the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching. Each year, new members of the Academy are selected through a rigorous evaluation process.

Comprising of approximately five percent of the tenured faculty in the university, the Academy provides leadership in improving the quality and depth of the undergraduate experience.

During the evaluation process, deans of colleges and schools annually nominate faculty for membership, and a committee that includes members of the Academy, students and other faculty review the nominations and recommend a slate of honorees to the provost, who makes the final selections.

Members of the Academy advise the president and provost on matters related to the university’s instructional mission; participate in seminars, colloquia, and workshops on teaching effectiveness; and serve as mentors to new faculty.

This year’s inductees are:

• Lorenzo Alvisi, Department of Computer Science
• Volker Bromm, Department of Astronomy
• Courtney T. Byrd, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Robert B. Gilbert, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
• Barbara L. Jones, School of Social Work
• E. Christopher Kirk, Department of Anthropology
• Philip Uri Treisman, Department of Mathematics