Professors To Join UT System’s Elite Teaching Academy

Established by the UT System in 2012, the academy recognizes exceptional educators from the system's nine academic institutions. It also publishes The Little Orange Book series of teaching tips and reflections on classroom learning, and serves as an advocacy group to foster the creation of high-quality, comprehensive learning experiences for students. Patel and Sra join five other UT Dallas faculty members who are current fellows of the academy.

"Each nominee has established an exceptional record of outstanding teaching in the classroom and beyond; the academy is looking for something more than that," said Dr. Karen Huxtable-Jester, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, associate provost and professor of instruction in psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at UT Dallas. She was selected as a fellow in 2017 and is president-elect of the academy.

"Membership in the academy is not merely an honor; it is a call to action. When we choose new fellows, we are inviting them to join our very active organization in making significant contributions to improve the quality of teaching across the UT System."

Patel, a professor of instruction in mathematical sciences, received a 2025 Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award, the UT System's highest teaching honor. In 2016 Patel received UT Dallas' President's Teaching Excellence Award (non-tenure track).

During his time at UT Dallas, Patel has been course coordinator for Applied Calculus I and II cumulatively for more than 10 years. He also played a key role in working with the Student Success Center to initiate a peer-led team learning program in mathematical sciences.

"What I find most fulfilling about teaching is helping students turn challenges into opportunities for growth," Patel said. "In mathematics, many students begin their journey uncertain of their abilities. Watching uncertainty give way to confidence, seeing students develop strong problem-solving skills and helping them recognize their potential is incredibly rewarding, as is witnessing their personal growth and resilience."

Dr. David Hyndman, NSM dean, said Patel and Sra not only have developed student-centered instructional approaches, but also share these practices with colleagues, contributing to meaningful impact across campus.

"Dr. Patel and Dr. Sra represent the best of what we strive for at NSM - faculty who don't just teach content, but shape how students see themselves as learners," said Hyndman, the Francis S. and Maurine G. Johnson Distinguished University Chair. "This honor reflects years of quiet, consistent investment in students who will carry that confidence far beyond our classrooms."