ÎÞÂëרÇø

The Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award honors adjunct faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching excellence and student learning. Candidates for this award must have taught credited courses as an adjunct faculty member at ÎÞÂëרÇø for a minimum of 5 continuous years before their year of nomination. Recipients of this award consistently exhibit exemplary commitment to teaching and learning, innovative teaching practices, and contribute to the overall academic mission of the university. Click on the link to see a list of prior winners of this award.

2025 Recipient

Professor Liliana Hickman-Riggs
Cox School of Business

Liliana Hickman-Riggs is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting in the Cox School of Business. The review committee recognized Professor Hickman-Riggs as an engaging and effective accounting professor whose mentorship of both ÎÞÂëרÇø students and local high schoolers reflects a notable commitment to community engagement. Her course evaluations were consistently strong, and her letters of recommendation were exceptional, highlighting her ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and spark genuine interest in the subject. Her teaching philosophy—centered on clarity, connection, and inspiring lifelong learning—stood out. Particularly, the sections where she said “I do not just teach subjects, I teach people,” and “I cannot force learning, but I can inspire thirst.” Her comprehensive and well-organized syllabus also stood out. Additional student letters reinforced the impression of a thoughtful, creative instructor who not only makes accounting both accessible and fun but also teaches them how to appreciate life.

The Provost’s Teaching Recognition Award honors full-time teaching and professional faculty who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a consummate dedication to teaching and learning. The teaching and professional faculty candidate must have taught credited courses full time for a minimum of 5 continuous years prior to his/her year of nomination. This award provides an opportunity to honor the contributions to teaching at ÎÞÂëרÇø made by these important colleagues. Click on the link to see a list of prior winners of this award.

2025 Recipients:

Gordon Law
Meadows School of the Arts

Gordon Law is an Executive in Residence at the Temerlin Advertising Institute in the Meadows School of the Arts. The committee noted Professor Law’s exceptional course evaluations, which included glowing feedback and frequent comments that “nothing can be improved,” reflecting his consistent effectiveness across courses ranging from the 2000- to 6000-level. Students describe him as a faculty member they naturally gravitate toward, and his multiple HOPE Award nominations underscore that reputation. His teaching philosophy emphasizes making a meaningful impact on students’ lives, positioning himself as a mentor as well as an instructor—a theme echoed throughout his strong student letters. Colleagues who have observed his class reported a high level of student participation in his classes, admired his approachability, and his genuine support. Reviewers also valued his significant real-world experience and community engagement, both of which enrich the classroom and contribute to a powerful learning environment.

Joshua Crabill Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences   Joshua Crabill is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy in the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. The committee was impressed by Dr. Crabill’s distinctive teaching philosophy, which emphasizes helping students recognize the relevance of philosophy in their own lives through an applied, pragmatic approach that encourages charitable thinking and empathy, including his thoughtful use of a “devil’s advocate” method. His course evaluations were consistently strong, with notably high response rates and extensive comments that reflected deep student engagement. Letters of recommendation further highlighted his ability to manage both small and large classes effectively, fostering participation and creating space for meaningful dialogue. Even in courses involving volatile topics, he maintains a supportive environment in which students feel comfortable, regularly earning high marks and demonstrating genuine appreciation for his teaching.

The Golden Mustangs, ÎÞÂëרÇø alumni who graduated at least fifty years ago, have established an award for the advancement of teaching and learning. This award is given each year to a junior, tenure-track faculty member, whose teaching is consistently excellent; whose courses reflect thoughtful curricular development; and whose scholarship makes a meaningful contribution to the discipline and to student learning. Click on the link to access a list of previous recipients.

2025 Recipient:

Piyawan Sharoensap-Kelly
Meadows School of the Arts

Piyawan Sharoensap-Kelly is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Communication in the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs in the Meadows School of the Arts. The committee found Dr. Sharoensap-Kelly to be an exceptionally student-centered instructor whose teaching philosophy demonstrates a clear understanding of pedagogy and is strongly reflected in her classroom practice. Her syllabus stood out for being engaging, relatable, and visually compelling, with one reviewer calling it “the most attractive and effective” they had seen. Course evaluations were consistently strong—with comments exclusively positive and scores ranging from 4.29 to 4.7—and letters of support highlighted her ability to create a safe, student-centered learning environment that uses multiple forms of assessment, real-world applications, and activities like mock interviews. Additional materials reinforced her impact, including a student testimonial noting that her course inspired them to pursue a master’s degree and helped them see how a CCPA degree strengthens pre-law preparation. She has been nominated for this award before, and the committee agreed that her record continues to exemplify excellence.

The President's Associates Outstanding Faculty Award is given annually to tenured faculty for the advancement of teaching and learning. This award is designed to honor faculty who have sustained high achievement as teachers and whose scholarship makes a meaningful contribution to student learning. Click on the link to access a list of past recipients.

2025 Recipient:

Peng Tao
Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences

Peng Tao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry in the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. The committee viewed Dr. Tao as a clear outlier, noting his remarkable ability to transform a traditionally “sterile” subject into a thoughtful, approachable, and even creative learning experience grounded in a humanities-oriented teaching philosophy. His materials demonstrated how intentionally he designs assignments to help students take ownership of chemistry, and the submitted student work showed high levels of engagement and intrinsic motivation. Letters of support were exceptionally strong—one colleague described walking into his classroom and immediately sensing a “quantum of solace,” a testament to the environment he creates. Reviewers appreciated how he moves far beyond mere content delivery, bringing creativity, connection, and an authentic invitation for students to love the field. He is also well recognized in his discipline, with significant external funding supporting his work, further underscoring the depth and impact of his teaching.