Psychology Department Earns Excellence in Teaching Award

The award reflects commitment to students and teaching throughout the department.

Written by John Davis

The department of psychology received the Teaching Academy’s Departmental Excellence in Teaching Award.

The Teaching Academy Departmental Excellence in Teaching Award is presented in recognition of a department or comparable academic unit that has made unique and significant contributions to the teaching mission of the university and has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the education of students at the undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional level.

The award carries a $25,000 prize to enhance teaching in any way the department determines, says Cindy Akers, chairwoman for the teaching academy’s executive council.

The general criterion for the award is the existence of a “teaching culture,” which reflects commitment to students, makes teaching a high departmental priority, and facilitates teaching excellence throughout the department.

The academy’s mission is to promote and enhance excellence in teaching across Texas Tech’s campus. The organization was created by the Office of the Provost and works closely with the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center.

“It’s a wonderful honor,” says David Rudd, chairman of the department. “This money will allow us to establish the Center for Exceptional Teaching in Psychology. The goal of the center will be to assess the learning outcomes in graduate and undergraduate classes and to conduct research in teaching effectiveness.”

The department selected for the award will be recognized at the Spring Faculty Convocation April 10, as well as an award luncheon for the departmental faculty and staff on April 26, hosted by the President and Provost.