Texas Tech University has selected two faculty members from its engineering programs for membership in the university’s Teaching Academy
Texas Tech University has selected two faculty members from its engineering programs for membership in the university’s Teaching Academy, recognizing their commitment to excellence in instruction and contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Changwon Son, an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering, and Yanyan Zhang, a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering were both chosen for the honor. Membership in the Teaching Academy has been limited to no more than 20% of Texas Tech faculty since its establishment in 1997.
The Teaching Academy promotes high-impact teaching practices across the university, including participation in award selection processes and hosting seminars focused on instructional effectiveness. The organization also coordinates the annual John M. Burns Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, which coincides with the induction of new members.
Son emphasized the role students play in shaping their teaching philosophy.
“Being selected for the Teaching Academy is such a great honor I would like to share with my students, who are the true inspiration behind everything I do in the classroom,” Son said. “My teaching mission is rooted in a simple yet strong belief: every engineer we prepare has the power to save lives.”
Son added that fostering a human-centered mindset is essential in engineering education.
“At Texas Tech University, I view my students as my ambassadors to the world,” Son said. “My goal is not simply to transfer knowledge, but to grow fearless champions who never step back in fighting for human lives wherever their careers take them.”
Zhang also highlighted the importance of student-centered teaching in receiving the recognition.
“I am honored to be selected for the Teaching Academy and to join a community committed to excellence in teaching,” Zhang said. “This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the impact of student-centered teaching.”
Zhang added that student engagement remains central to their approach in the classroom and expressed a commitment to continuing to enhance engineering education.
Both faculty members will be formally inducted during a ceremony scheduled for early in the Fall 2026 semester. They are expected to participate in Teaching Academy initiatives, including workshops, seminars and committee service throughout the academic year.