Two Cockrell School of Engineering professors have been recognized for outstanding teaching at The University of Texas at Austin.
Glenn Lightsey
Glenn Lightsey, professor in aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics, has been awarded the John Leland Atwood Award of the ASEE Aerospace Division and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), which is awarded annually to an outstanding aerospace engineering educator whose career demonstrates success as a teacher, researcher and participant in organizations important to aerospace engineering education. Lightsey has also been awarded the university's William David Blunk Memorial Professorship.
"Both are extremely gratifying and reinforce my belief about the value of education and our purpose here as faculty at the university," Lightsey said. And receiving both in the same week was quite a surprise, he added. "I don't know what was going on in the sky at that time, but perhaps I should have bought a lottery ticket."
The length of the professorship is one academic year, but it also allows for the possibility of renewals for unique individuals. Lightsey will receive a $9,000 salary supplement and $1,500 to support teaching related activities in order to benefit his students.
"Throughout all the years that I have known Dr. Lightsey, he has always been a huge advocate for students getting involved in extramural activities to learn real life engineering," said Sebastian Muñoz, a graduate student in aerospace engineering. He added that Lightsey's role as an adviser and mentor encourages students to pursue whatever research area interests them the most.
Yale Patt
Yale Patt, professor in electrical and computer engineering, also received recognition from the university. He has been selected to receive the Academy of Distinguished Teachers Award for his contributions as a full-time faculty member to education.
Patt will also receive a permanent academic salary increase of $7,000, which will become effective the next academic year. As a new member to the academy, Patt will be expected to advise the president and provost on instructional university-related matters, participate in seminars, colloquia and various teaching workshops and assist as a mentor to new faculty.
The Academy of Distinguished Teachers was established in February 1995 to recognize the university's commitment to distinctive teaching. It honors tenured faculty members who have made significant scholarly contributions with distinguished teaching records
Each year, new members of the academy are chosen by a selection committee, which includes the provost and his or her selection of a representative of central administration, two students, two faculty members and four representatives of the academy.
