Richardson, Texas, USA: Two Indian-origin faculty members from the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) at The University of Texas at Dallas have been selected as fellows of the prestigious UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
Jigarkumar Patel and Dr. Amandeep Sra will be formally inducted into the academy during a ceremony in Austin in January 2027. They will join an exclusive group of educators recognized for their contributions to teaching and higher education across the University of Texas System.
Established in 2012, the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers recognizes exceptional faculty members from the system’s nine academic institutions. In addition to honoring outstanding educators, the academy advocates for improvements in instructional quality across the university system through initiatives including its Little Orange Book teaching series.
Both Patel and Sra have extensive experience in student-centered teaching and have received recognition for their contributions to undergraduate education.
Jigarkumar Patel
Jigarkumar Patel, a professor of instruction in mathematical sciences, has served as the course coordinator for Applied Calculus I and II for more than a decade.
He also played an important role in launching a peer-led team learning program in mathematics in collaboration with the Student Success Center. In recognition of his teaching contributions, Patel received the UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award in 2025.
Patel said one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is helping students turn academic challenges into opportunities for growth. He noted that many students begin mathematics courses with uncertainty about their abilities, making it particularly fulfilling to see them gain confidence, strengthen their problem-solving skills and recognize their own potential.
Dr. Amandeep Sra
Dr. Amandeep Sra, a professor of instruction in chemistry and biochemistry, has taught general chemistry courses at UT Dallas since 2011.
She leads student-support initiatives, including Chemistry Clinics, and has received several honors for her teaching. These include the 2019 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award and the 2018 Centennial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching from Iota Sigma Pi.
Sra said she particularly enjoys helping students discover the joy of learning chemistry while developing the confidence and skills needed to understand complex concepts. She also highlighted the importance of seeing students progress from self-doubt to greater independence and ownership of their learning.
Dr. Karen Huxtable-Jester, director of the UTD Center for Teaching and Learning and president-elect of the academy, said membership in the academy represents more than an individual honor. According to her, new fellows are invited to actively contribute to efforts aimed at improving the quality of teaching throughout the UT System.
Dr. David Hyndman, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, also praised Patel and Sra for their contributions to student learning. He said both educators exemplify the school's focus on faculty who not only teach academic content but also help students develop confidence in themselves as learners.
With their induction, Patel and Sra will join five other UT Dallas faculty members who currently serve as fellows of the systemwide academy.
